Posted 5 years ago by Anonymous

Summary

“Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can; never found in woman, always found in man” (women read it differently!). (smile)

There is a great deal in our lives that press us and for which we need patience: world in chaos, natural calamity, personal loss, injury, sickness, failure (our own or others’), etc.

The injunction of Scripture is that we be patient - Rom.12:12, Eph.4:2. James 5:1-12 - call to patience in the midst of oppression & trials, & in relationships.

FD, FE CFs are called to patience - persevering without losing heart, enduring bravely, bearing the offenses of others without seeking revenge, etc.

Patience requires hope - release, growth, improvement, help, etc. In Christ, we have hope!

I)Hope of Grace (God’s favor) - Psalm 27:13, 14

Remember that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble - James 4:6, 10.

II)Hope of Christ’s coming again - vs7-8. He will balance the scales, lift the veil, restore His order.

The Bible is filled with the promise of Christ’s coming: John 14:3, Acts 1:11, I Thessalonians 4:16, Revelation 22:7, 12, 20

Early rain: Christ’s 1st coming? Gift of the Holy Spirit? God’s saving grace? God’s daily grace? Perhaps all the above.

Latter rain: Christ’s coming - sure hope - Romans 8:18-21, Revelation 21:1-4 - We are God’s people now and will be His people, with Him, unhindered by the struggles of this life, forever!

Until then - Be patient, stand firm, be strong - I Corinthians 15:58

Fully devoted, fully engaged Christ-followers are humble before God and others, are patient in trial, depending upon God’s grace & hoping in Christ’s coming again.