Monday, August 16, 2010

Day 91 - James 5:7-12

Extreme Faith Workout
www.gbcwestlake.org

James 5:7-12
The context:
James 5:1-6 speaks to the non-believing rich, about the coming judgment on them, for their hoarding, and abuse of the followers of Christ.

James 5:7-12, then, speaks to those suffering followers of Christ, telling them that since God will take care of the justice side, they can concentrate on being patient and trusting in God.

James 5:13-20 finishes with some practical things to do about their suffering, both physically and spiritually.

James 5:7-12 (my paraphrase)
Since God will judge those who have hurt you, be patient, until Jesus comes. Trust in God with the timing. Strengthen your hearts in the truth. Don't turn on each other or live in discouragement. Study the people in the Bible who suffered and yet trusted in God, without retaliation on those who hurt them. Remember Job, who lost "everything" but continued to praise and trust in God; and God demonstrated incredible compassion and mercy toward him. Be a person of integrity, that even while you are suffering,you can be trusted.

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