Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 229 – James 5:7-11 – Be Patient As You Wait – Growing As Disciples
Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door! For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy. James 5:7-11 (NLT)
Patiently Wait
What will happen to you as you patiently wait my return? If I patiently wait for your return my heart and mind and life will be focused on you. My attention will not be captured by the thoughts and opinions and values of this world. My life will not be one long pursuit of all the comforts and pleasures that this world has to offer. I will live with the knowledge that this world is not my true home. I am just passing through this brief life. Whether you come quickly and return to this earth, or I leave this life very soon, it does not amount to much difference to me personally, at least in one regard, I will be seeing you soon. That is true.
You will be seeing me soon, there is no doubt about that. How does that knowledge impact your life today? Knowing that I will see you soon reorders my priorities. I want my life to count. I don’t want to waste time. I don’t want to misspend my life. I want to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. I want to know and do your will. I want to go where you guide me. I want to do what you ask of me. I want to live a bold life as a bright witness for you in the darkness of this world. I want to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. I want others to come to know and love and follow and serve you because they have seen your life being lived out in and through me. You have very good desires within you. Do you believe that I will fulfill these desires of your heart? Yes, I do. You put these desires in my heart. You will certainly fulfill them. Yes, I will, you can count on me.
As you go through different seasons in life how are you able to endure them? As you encounter twists and turns and ups and downs and trials of every kind, how do you find strength to overcome them? Not by myself, not with my own strength, not under my own power, that is for sure. As my heart, and mind, and life are focused on you and your return I am encouraged. You give me hope. You give me strength. You keep me moving forward with you. Yes, I have. Yes, I am. Yes, I will. Keep your heart and mind and life focused on me. I will supply all you need. Thank you, Lord.
Lord, patiently waiting is not one of my stronger gifts. That is an understatement, I know. Help me to keep my heart and mind and life focused on your return. Help me to patiently endure even the difficult seasons of life, as I continue to love, follow, and serve you. Amen
Key Question… How has the Lord helped you to patiently endure a difficult season in your life?
Living It Out… Expectantly and patiently wait the Lord’s return as He helps you to endure difficult seasons in life.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to endure difficult seasons as you expectantly await His return.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is helping you to endure difficult seasons in life.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you wait patiently for the Lord’s return.
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