RISING ABOVE HARD TIMES
Part 2 – What To Do When The Bad Won’t Stop
James 5:7-12
November 1, 2020
Dr. Mark S. Hartman, Lead Pastor
INTRODUCTION
James 5:7-12 Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. 8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. 10 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. 12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but let your yes be yes, and your no, no; so that you may not fall under judgment.
1. THREE INGREDIENTS TO A HURTFUL SITUATION THAT JUST REFUSES TO GET BETTER.
A. When the situation is out of your personal control. (James 5:7)
James 5:7 Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.
B. When people around us won’t take personal responsibility. (James 5:10)
James 5:10 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
C. When the problems that keep coming seem to have no explanation or reason. (James 5:11)
James 5:11 Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
2. GOD SAYS, “BE PATIENT.”
A. James 5:8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
B. Why should we be patient?
1. Because God is in control. (James 5:8)
a. James 5:8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
b. Be patient because God is going to deal with this situation in His timing.
2. Because God rewards our patience. (James 5:11)
a. James 5:11 Behold, we count those blessed who endured.
b. In the second half of Job’s life he was more blessed than the first half. God doubled everything he had. It pays to be patient.
3. Because God is at work in this situation. (James 5:11)
a. James 5:11 Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
b. God is at work in your life when you see Him and when you don’t.
3. ALLOW YOUR HEART TO BE STRENGTHENED. (James 5:8)
A. James 5:8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
B. The Bible never says, “Try to be strong.” The Bible says, “Be strong.”
C. What does “be strong” look like?
1. I am waiting with expectation.
2. Psalm 130:5 … I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for He has promised.
D. We are being strong when we are not blaming others.
1. James 5:9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
2. Lamentations 3:26 It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
E. We are being strong when we are waiting confidently.
1. Isaiah 30:15 In quietness and confidence is your strength.
2. Psalm 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act.