Patience in Suffering
"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near." — James 5:7-8
The Lord knows I'm suffering, right?
James was writing to people who were discouraged. They were suffering from sickness, financial exploitation, and a meager harvest. Meanwhile the rich were building a luxurious lifestyle on the lives of the believers they oppressed. If these believers dared to speak up, they would be taken to court on trumped up charges and often put to death. The oppressors had taken away their voice and therefore any legal agency to change their current plight.
Some theologians suggest that believers during this time expected the Lord to return and set things right—in their lifetime. The discouragement resulting from their unmet expectation, and the reality of their extended suffering was disheartening and divisive, causing the local body of believers to point fingers at one another, likely blaming each other for their current plight. (vs9)
James’s response? He acknowledged the people's suffering by condemning the actions of the wealthy and then encouraged them in five specific ways. He:
- Assured them that God would ultimately triumph
- Urged them to be patient, even though their suffering would be long
- Reminded them of the importance of personal integrity
- Challenged them to preserve unity among them
- Emphasized the power of prayer
Recently, I went through a four-year period of unexpected suffering. The destruction took nearly everything I had and enveloped all aspects of my life. I must admit, during that time James’ words of encouragement would have rung hollow. But four years later and bearing some scars, I have a different perspective.
I have learned that when suffering has no end in sight and is the result of evil in a fallen world, James’ words are the only real options. For me, patience in suffering promoted appropriate acceptance and prevented rash reactions. Personal integrity doused the flames of accusation, and my community was the only thing that preserved what little I had left. I believe other people’s prayers did play a role, as there was an unusual, if not miraculous change in the circumstantial landscape.
Honestly, I have not fully healed from the experience, and I know there are periods of hardship still ahead. But I can say that God preserved the foundational aspects of my life, enabling me to endure.
What about James’ audience? They too would endure. Their legacy of patience in suffering and continued faithfulness to Christ would culminate 267 years later when the emperor of the oppressors, Constantine, converted to Christianity.
Patience indeed.