“Be Patient And Perseverant: The LORD Is Full Of Mercy And Compassion!”

“Be Patient And Perseverant: The Lord Is Full Of Mercy And Compassion!”(Jam.3:7-11).
We work and go on retirement; even though sometimes we say, “retired but not tired.” Retirement is often anticipated with joy – though there may be some exceptions where the thoughts of retirement is scary.
Retirement age is generally placed at sixty years; though it is not so with politicians, and maybe scholars.
With matters of faith and belief there is no retirement until the grave.
It is faith that induces us to believe that God’s time is the best. But that God’s time can be now as well as it can be an indeterminate future.
Since “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,” it means to have faith is to be patient and perseverant.
Patience and perseverance are not only bedfellows; they are soulmates.
Patience is said to be “the ability to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. Meanwhile, perseverance refers to continued steady belief or efforts in spite of discouragement or difficulty and is one of the most difficult qualities to develop in this fast paced and impatient world…”
One person concludes that to be patient and perseverant “means that you don’t give up on things even in the face of discouragement or difficulty…” And that once you master these two virtues, you are well on your way to unlocking great success. “These two virtues are the foundation of everything you will experience in your journey to success.”
In our Christian experience the end of the journey to success, or the success itself is when we shall see the Lord Jesus Christ face to face when he comes again in glory.
Being able to wait for something without getting angry or upset is a valuable quality in a person.
No doubt, today James admonishes us to be patient until the Lord’s coming. He gives us the example of a farmer who waits with patience for the land to yield valuable crop.
“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Do not grumble against each other…or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!…” James urges us to take the prophets as examples of patience in the face of suffering. Those who persevere are blessed because “the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
We learn a great lesson from the lament of Jeremiah. He lamented a hopeless situation, yet in the midst of his dirge he reminded himself: “Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him'”(Lam.3:22-24).
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit help me to rejoice in my hope, be patient in tribulation and be constant in prayer. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.