Introduction:
David prayed in Psalms 70:1. “Make haste to help me, O Lord!” Like David, we don’t like to wait. We dislike the long lines at super-market checkout counters, and the traffic jams downtown and around the shopping malls. We hate to wait at the bank or at a restaurant. Then there are the harder waits; a couple waiting for a child; a single person waiting for marriage; an addict waiting for deliverance; a spouse waiting for a kind and gentle word; a worried patient waiting for a diagnosis from a doctor a pastor waiting for the church to mature.
What we wait for, however, is far less important than what God is doing while we wait. David said,” PS 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. It’s easy to lose patience in times of great trial. That is what James is talking about. James gives us 3 examples of patient endurance, the first is…
I The Farmer (verses 7-9)
1. James gives an example of the farmer. If you are an impatient person you shouldn’t be a farmer. They must be patient. They must be patient with the soil. The farmer must pain and toil preparing the soil to sow the seed. The Jewish farmer would do this after the early rains. They must be patient with the seed. After the soil is prepared and the seed sowed, they must be patient with the season and wait on God. God gives the increase.
2. Verse 7 tells us because the fruit is “precious”, precious means costly. The harvest will bring reward. James is picturing the Christian here as a spiritual farmer, waiting for a spiritual harvest. I Co. 3:6-8 Folks, when you become impatient with God, it will flow out against others. James gives another illustration of:
II. The Prophets (verse 10)
1. These early believers would have been familiar with this example of Old Testament prophets. When we read how these faithful servants suffered it offers us encouragement. This encouragement comes from knowing that God is in control. The prophets encourage us by reminding us that God cares for those who suffer for His sake. James last example is…
III. Job (verse 11-12)
1. Job is the classic example of a man that patiently endured suffering and was blessed by God for his persevering faith. James reminds the believers there are blessings for those who persevere.
Conclusion: Patience is the ability to remain calm in the midst of turmoil because you know God is in control. Is God is control of your life? Are you saved? —John 3:16