James 5:10-12

"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."

REFLECTION

Do you think it is possible to endure LONG-suffering?

We are told to look at the life of Job.

Job is recognized for his perseverance, not "patience."

Reread with me Job 1:8-11
"Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. '
'Does Job fear God for nothing?' Satan replied. 'Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has. and he will surely curse you to your face.' the Lord said to Satan, 'Very well, than everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger."

And to this day when the name of Job is mentioned

we get a thought in our minds of the disastrous things

God allowed satan to do to Job.

God proved that Job's faith was genuine.

Was it difficult for Job?

Did he cry out to God from his inner soul with grief and pain?

Finally did he ever turn his back on God?

Remember back in the first chapter of James, my favorite verse is

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial,

for when he has stood the test

he will receive the Crown of Life that God promises

to those who love him."

That is a promise worth remembering.

We know that each day has it's own worries, struggles,

temptations, heartaches, thank God we have not been tested like Job.

Whatever your trial is, go one day at a time with God.

I have learned this from the trials I have experienced.

My faith and assurance in the Lord God Almighty

has developed over the years while on my knees.

I know the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.