The Patience of Job

James 5:10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Likely, no mere mortal endured more difficulty over a short period of time than did Job. Job suffered several awful trials with most of them coming simultaneously. Perhaps Job should not be remembered so much for the trials, but for how he handled those trials. When Job received the news that his children had perished, he said, “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21). The verse which follows Job’s statement conveys volumes, “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” Job’s endurance of such trials led the Lord to point to Job as an outstanding example of patience (James 5:11).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God knew the apostle Paul would suffer through some hard times for Him (Acts 9:16) and Paul testified that he certainly did (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Through it all, Paul kept serving God. Paul was a good example to Timothy and told him to follow after patience (1 Timothy 6:11). When things go wrong, are you a good example for others?

• (For everyone): Have you had to endure the amount of trials that Job endured? Most would honestly answer no; but even if you had, would you like to display that same level of patience through it all?

• We remember Job for the trials, but we should remember him for his patience. How will you be remembered when you leave this world? Will people remember you as a person of patience?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

• Ask the Lord to give you the patience of Job.

• Ask God to make you an example of patience.

SONG: O God, Our Help

Pastor Andrew Ray

Devotions on Patience