James 5:7-11

Truth #1: God is good

Truth #2: He works all things for the good of those who love him

Truth #3: The first year of grad school is TOUGH

Truth #4: I am glad I didn’t know how hard it was going to be

Truth #5: I wouldn’t want to re-live those days but I am THANKFUL for the edification they ushered in

Many moments from this past year felt like suffering.  But they weren’t.  I wouldn’t want to re-live those days but they were necessary.

James 5:7-12: Patience in Suffering

7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

What a beautiful picture. Just as the farmer waits for the fruit of the earth to yield what he has planted for the harvest it long after the rains have come, so we should wait.  While I am waiting, I should not grumble against His people in the process.  Oh, the works happening may be awfully painful and I desperately want to think they are the problem.  Whew, how I would have liked to say a few something to a few people who the Lord used as tools in my life this past year.  Thankfully, in the end He will be the judge.  I don’t have to say anything.  He will uphold the righteous and speak on our behalf.

My suffering is planted and when harvested at the right time should yield beautiful fruit.  It may seem like one too many rainy seasons fall on it but I have seen and know the purpose of the Lord. I know how gracious, compassionate and merciful He is. He is wants my holiness and righteousness.  He brings about experiences to bear fruit; fruit that looks more like Him and less like me.

 Oh how there were times this first year of grad school, I questioned why I was here and what He was doing.  I was not very patient!! At all.  I wanted to know His purpose behind these times. Yet I was reminded of when the unexplainable times brought great changes in my life.  He has been faithful in the past to make all things work for His good.  I know He will again.  He is into redemption.  It is what He does.  It is who He is. 

Despite my wrong thinking and bad attitudes, His purposes prevailed.  Through it all, I was brought to humility and complete reliance on Him.  I couldn’t and didn’t make it without Him.  I became a child broken before her Maker and that is a painfully beautiful place to be.

He is at work doing something I am totally unaware of.  It will be really good.  The seed has been planted. The rains have come.  He is compassionate and merciful.