Becoming Steadfast
“You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 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.” James 5:8-11
We have witnessed the passion of the Lord through his birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection. God came came to earth through a virgin, which in part symbolizes that it is God who has the power to save and does so working through a willing vessel. It is not a device of man. Peace on earth is only possible through him. And those who have that peace of God live in the peace that surpasses understanding. This actually makes sense in a strange way.
When we think of things only in terms of our understanding, they can bring less than peaceful results! We have experienced plenty of wrong-doing in our lives! However, the peace of God needs no understanding: it requires faith. Trusting in the Lord applies our faith, and Scripture says that the product of faith doesn’t disappoint.
What has been entirely purposeful in your and my life is the work of God. He is there at work; especially, when we don’t sense him. So we have need of patience. It is through events that challenge our faith that we have the opportunity to be steadfast and receive the results for such commitment to our faith (Heb 10:35-36). There is no steadfastness without something to be steadfast about. When we have been steadfast, then we receive the promise.
James uses the story of Job. I don’t think I’m alone in that I don’t like the fact that we are told of a man God liked who he allowed Satan to do a number on!. True, the ultimate end of Job was far better than his beginning. That’s great. What about the in-between time? Boils and such infirmities do not sound pleasant. But do we sometimes have a poor perspective: as if life is about going through life comfortable? That’s why the story of Job concerns and challenges us. But if the trial periods were easy, the outcome wouldn’t be so great. And we have an exceedingly great reward awaiting!
What can be helpful is scholars have pointed out that the Job story is composed in the style of Hebrew poetry. The emphasis seems to be more on the moral of the story than on the literalness of the event. This view treats the story more as an extended parable: an earthly event with heavenly meaning. Whatever one’s view, it doesn’t alter the message.
Though we may kick and scream, our ultimate position must be a total commitment and dependence on Christ. It is there where the magic happens. James also said that if we pray and don’t believe in hearing or receiving an answer, we may as well not pray at all. God is looking for those who will love and trust him. It won’t work without this.
Let us always consider the message of hope we have received; how compassionate and merciful our God is toward us. He remained faithful so that we may remain in him. He sought us out before we sought him. He provided our need before we recognized we needed it. The conclusion of the story is magnificent. He lives and lives in us!