Patience is a faith sustaining fruit of the Spirit of God (Gal 5:22). Its operation is essential in our ability to endure trials and shield ourselves against the assaults of doubt and discouragement that Satan attacks us with. This is a primary concern James has for God’s people who (in the 1st century) were suffering persecution for their faith in Jesus in a world that places their hope in human goods and glory. He uses the illustration of a field worker that labors for future harvest. He says, “…See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains” (v7). In other words:
- The farmer commits himself to necessary work. If he does not sow, there will be no harvest to reap for him and those in his care to enjoy (Prv 13:4).
- The farmer is guided by experience and wisdom. He labors in the field planting seed within its right season to ensure that his crop are “positioned” to benefit from the expectation of future seasonal rains.
How does farmer arduously suffer present hard labors of sowing his field? Here is the key: He has patience coupled with hope in the harvest to come. Likewise, James encourages the Christian to remain standfast in faith with hope in the promises of God, “You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (v8). As we suffer persecution as believers, and the afflictions of the fallness of our earthly bodies, we should remember the following truths that should strengthen our hope in God.
- All suffering in this present life is temporary. It is a light affliction in comparison the weight of glory to be revealed for us in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 4:17).
- Any measure of justice and vindication in this present life will always leaves us unfulfilled. However, God has promised that a day will come when his Son will return. In the end he shall be both Judge over unrighteousness and Avenger for his people. Patient endurance, helps us to trust and leave such matters ultimately to God.
Patience strengthens our hope. A focus on God preserves our faith. We are encouraged by James to stand firm in the knowledge of God (not our feelings, and what we see) that the Lord will fulfill his promises to us in due season. Let us be like a farmer who endures labors and sows faith in the present with his eyes fixed in hope for future promise.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com