Daily Verse: James 5:10-11

Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

When I came across James 5:10-11, I thought about the relative degrees of suffering that we encounter in this life and the differing levels of patience, endurance, and perseverance that we muster up in order to endure. I have read stories about how POW’s in past wars would keep their spirits up while in captivity by either singing remembered hymns or reciting memorized Bible verses. I have heard accounts of how people persevered through long battles of illness and injury by leaning on assurances from the books of Psalms and Philippines. I have witnessed people that have risen from the bottom of the barrel to regain purpose and direction in their lives through disciplined and passionate prayer to the Lord Almighty. Everyone has some kind of battle they must endure in each day…it’s a reality of living in a broken world. But we do not have to be broken because of our struggles. Through Christ, we can rise above the hardships and rejoice, for there is great relief on the horizon. We may still have to walk the battle field and experience all the pain, anguish, and hardship that come with each event, but we will NOT be defeated. If we are in Christ, there will be a victory at our final hour…for when we take that last breath, the gates of heaven will be opened and we will be ushered in to a place where pain and struggle do not exist. While the present struggle may leave us with little energy to smile, we can find joy in hope in knowing that there is incredible peace, joy and celebration coming our way! May we hold tight to this today and give thanks to the Lord that is providing all things good in the present and in the days to come! To God be the glory!