Suffering
Be patient, therefore, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Brothers and sisters, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed, we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the outcome that the Lord brought about, for the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
James 5:7-10
STORY
When I was in elementary school, I remember a story, as clearly as if it were told today, that my pastor, Rev. Avery Bitler, shared during a sermon. I do not remember the sermon, but I clearly remember the story. And the story, of course, has always carried with it the sermon’s message.
Rev. Butler shared an incident when he was a chaplain in the Navy. A terrible storm was approaching the ship that could not be avoided. Accompanying the storm would be massive waves and high winds. The captain of the ship told the chaplain that when a storm this fierce is approaching, we turn the ship straight into the storm. We met the waves head-on. The ship could not outrun the storm and confronting the waves in any other direction, sideways or from the rear, would cause it to capsize.
The preacher then shared how this became for him a lesson in life. This learned experience was that we are to approach our problems head-on. We cannot run from our problems. We cannot sidestep our problems. We must confront them directly. And with the assurance of the Lord’s presence, we can do so confidently.
DEVOTION
James shared with his congregation these words of advice, “Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” In our times of trials and tribulations, the prophets to whom we turn are not always found between the covers of the Bible. Although there is sound and undisputable advice recorded in the Bible, our Christian friends who practice Bible living can also offer lessons for daily living. Beyond the Bible there remains one particular prophet in my life – an Ohio midsize city pastor who served as a chaplain in the Navy during a raging storm at sea. His prophetic word was to always confront our problems straight-on still resonates to me this day.
Points to Ponder
> As you are not allowed to name Jesus, what biblical prophet inspire you?
o For me: It is Isaiah as he was fully aware of his shortcomings, yet answered the summons to be a prophet. His words, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” This declaration of faith and obedience inspires me to be an unflinching servant of my Lord.
> What individual currently living is a prophet for you?
o For me: Sadly, I am unable to name an individual who inspires me to the point that I would separate him from the larger crowd of believers that I know and authors that I read. Though, I can report this. When I attended seminary in the early 1970s the Living Bible was becoming popular. As I sat under the tutelage of my professors, I found their biblical and theological knowledge to be awesome. One morning in class, as my New Testament professor, Dr. Joseph Weber, taught from the front of the class, I said to myself that the man standing in front of me is truly a living Bible.
> What problem must you confront head-on?
o For me: As I have reported before it would be my drinking, Though, I am pleased to report that since starting my website I have taken control of this problem. Much of this has to do with an unflattering determination. It also has to do with a silent and invisible God who has made himself present with the support of my Christian friends at Ebenezer Baptist Church, located in Florence, South Carolina.
Please share other Points to Ponder so I can update my list
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