December 15, 2016: SOAP #2569:  James 1-5

Scripture:  James (NIV) 5:10 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 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.

Observation:   The first things about Job that comes to my mind are Satan’s conversations with God about Job, how he lost all his possessions, how he lost his children, how he remained faithful to God, and how his four friends tried to get Job to admit that he was such a great sinner that he deserved all this trouble.  The first thing that comes to my mind IS NOT the last 8 verses of the book of Job.  Yet James draws our attention to “what the Lord finally brought about.”

Application:  When I am going through troubles, I need to remember that God is not finished.  I have not yet seen what God will “finally bring about.”

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I am convinced that your plan is not to bury me in trouble, but to use the trouble that comes my way to prepare me for what you “finally bring about” on earth and in heaven.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!