Consider the example of Job
James, from the text, cites an example that should be emulated by every believer who is going through affliction. Job had shown endurance in the midst of the trials he had been going through. His ability to persevere comes from an active faith. His faith moves him to trust God no matter what comes his way. Job remained steadfast until the end and by doing so, manifested that “the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.” Job, at the beginning of his trials, had the resolve to be firm in his faith in God. “Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” (Job 2:10). By reminding his readers of Job, James was calling them to trust God for He has a purpose even in the midst of circumstances that they did not understand. We are called to this same kind of perseverance, but, oh, how difficult it is for us! We look at the harsh reality of circumstances and we are very ready to declare that we do not deserve it. If the Lord truly had our best interests at heart, He would not allow such things! These difficulties are so great that there could not possibly be a good purpose behind them! If we will allow the devil will its ways to have us draw false conclusions about God on the basis of our burdens and trials, we must resolve to forsake such temptation. “God did so much for me at the cross that I can never question His love for me. God did so much for me there that if He chooses to do nothing else for me at all, I will still have a reason to praise Him forever.” James earlier admonition should echo loud and clear in our minds to drown out the devil’s temptation. “Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near” (James 5:8). If we are failing to persevere in our faith trusting the Lord, it is because we have not fixed our hearts with determination and resolve. So let us give attention to our hearts. That is where the battle rages, and that is where the battle is lost or won. Let us talk to God about our hearts. Confess to Him how prone our hearts are to take us away from God. And let’s fill our hearts with the truth of the Word of God. If we are to live for God, we must endure knowing that in the end, just like Job, we will experience that God is “full of tenderness and mercy. “
Blessings,
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