James 5:10 “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.”
In James 5:10 we are encouraged to exercise patience in trials and persecutions. James points us to the prophets as an example of how to handle trials in a way that glorifies God. There are examples of this in Hebrews chapters 10 through 12. In Hebrews 10 it seems the Christians were going through some sort of heavy trials. They were being tempted to turn back from following Jesus. In Hebrews 11, he names those who were counted as faithful. The writer of Hebrews seeks to encourage them by reminding them of those who had gone before them. They had suffered greatly, but they didn’t quit. In Hebrews 12:1, he calls them a “great cloud of witnesses” the image alludes to an arena where those saints who have gone before are cheering us on. Many of those suffered greatly. I think of Noah who followed God and built the Ark. He must have had a full mix of emotions as he built the Ark. As he preached, bystanders made fun of him. Brothers and other family members thought he had lost his mind. Yet, there had to be joy in knowing God would save him and his immediate family. Still, great turmoil would plague his soul as he contemplated the world as he knew it would be forever lost. We may be facing great persecution but we are not alone.
Along comes Satan, he tries to convince us that suffering, or persecution, is the result of sin or unfaithfulness; but it may be that the suffering and persecution may well be because of faithfulness. In II Timothy 3: 12 we are told “Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” We must never think that obedience automatically produces ease and pleasure. Just as God uses those of old as a testimony and encouragement to us, so we can be strength for others.
God’s grace will always be sufficient to meet the need of our hearts. Sometimes God allows us to suffer to prove that He really is all we need. It is easy to say that when everything is going well, but when we experience that kind of grace it becomes real! It can be a testimony to others that we are real and he is everything to us. There is power in the evidence of a life surrendered to Jesus. Our patience in trials will not be understood by those who are not saved, or by those who are not following closely, but it will cause them to think, and many times seek answers from us.
It is important to remember that we must remain faithful no matter how trying the circumstances may be. Our lives must back the words we have said we believe. It may be that others eternal destiny will be determined by the patience and obedience we exhibit before them. Will they want what I have, or will they see me as no different than anyone else when the chips are down and the pain is great?
The only way you can react with greatness when troubles and suffering comes, is to prepare before the test. Study the word. Draw close to him when things are good. You don’t lean on someone when times are tough if you don’t get to know them beforehand. When we hurt, we run to those with which we have developed relationships. How much are you working on your relationship with God? Remember the Bible says we will suffer, not if, but when!
