Today, it seems we get to dwell on a topic which I find makes people nod their heads in sincerity. As patience is considered it is so common for us to say that we want more, and make a mental list of the times our patience was lacking.
"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!""Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." -James 5:7-11
These words are not the same as the reminder of the Sunday school teacher, "Joel, you need to be more patient." They are words of instruction as to how we can learn this skill.
The pictures here give me hope. Not so much hope that I can simply be Job. Rather, God seems to be telling us how to slowly progress to that level of patience.
We can start by learning from the farmer who works in one season to reap benefits in a later season. As I consider the farmer day after day, rising to take care of his family's future needs, I think about all the times when my patience can only last minutes or seconds. And I begin to admire the farmer. (pardon the required reading, but this is similar to the way I think the Little Prince admires the lamplighter)
This seems to build as we consider the prophet who followed God's leadership and spoke his truth, especially when it was controversial and unpopular. They spent their days speaking what needed to be said even though it meant making enemies and losing friends, only because in the end, hundreds of years later, they would be able to say, "Look, I was following God's commands. See? God is using my words now, even though I am gone."
The truth is this patience can even pale when compared with the loss of Job. Not that we really need to compare. But I feel that the step of being patient when it is difficult or unpopular is a step on the way to being patient when dealing with real pain. Physical, psychological, spiritual pain. Job's "friends" are the salt in the wounds; they are true villains, whether by their ignorance or egoism.
Imagine the scene as you deal with a loss, you are told that the reason you are suffering is your own fault. We are trained to remove unnecessary guilt, and help people know that it takes time to heal....
It takes time. Just wait. Healing will happen slowly. It is hard to hear these things and then actually take steps towards the far off goals. We want something fast and easy, to change things. God is telling us in James that there are steps that are slow, and that these are the the things that actually make a difference.
He says: "Look at the people around you who have been doing this. Do not give up. See that waiting is an action too. Consider, How I might fulfill the desires of my heart and yous if you can simply hold on. Trust me. The Farmer does, and I bless him. The prophet has done this, and look how they laid the stones for Jesus to walk on. Job learned much and was even more my son after unbelievable torment. Don't you believe me when i say that I love you, and that I am full of compassion for you. This is simply the best way things can go forward now. Be patient dear one."
How great our God is that his patience with our impatience is such that it can continue perfectly.
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