Suffering with Strength from the Future
by Christopher Hendrix
What do you turn to while suffering? What brings encouragement and hope? The Christian reply is usually called “the church” answer, Jesus! God! The Bible! Those are true, but what does turning to the Triune God and His Word mean? James teaches us this through the command to establish our hearts in James 5:8. The word for ‘establish’ communicates a propping up. The word communicates supporting or making firm. Take a newly planted tree as an example. The tree does not have the strength to withstand strong winds or storms. In order to make the tree firm, a stick is tied to the tree. This props the tree up through the storm and reinforces its structure. The tree may bend but won’t break because of an external object.
Watch Pastor Chris Hendrix’s sermon on James 5:7-12.
For the Christian, James goes beyond “the church” answer. Being propped up is more than just the knowledge of the existence of the Triune God; it’s specifically His coming. How so? Because His nature is evident in this promise. His sovereignty and providence both shine forth through the knowledge of His coming. He has ordained a day of His return, and nothing will thwart this plan. Thus, His sovereignty pours into our hearts as we reflect on His governing power and rule. His providence speaks to our hearts as He works every event, every nation, every action, and every passing second toward His Second Coming. This magnificent arrival will occur, and every passing moment on Earth leads to it.
By way of example, James points our mind’s eye to the prophets and Job. These men suffered greatly at the hands of people and circumstances. They encountered trials, persecution, and suffering. Their perseverance and ability to stay faithful did not originate from their strength, but they were propped up in the Lord. Their message stemmed from the King. They were mere heralds that passed the word of the Lord on to an unfaithful bunch. However, the rebellious nation rejected them and punished the prophets for what they said. Their reputation, and in some cases, their bodies, were tarred and tarnished. Yet, their steadfastness derived from knowing the Lord’s nature and works.
How about you? Are you suffering because of a particular person or people? Are you going through a trial at the moment? Can you relate to Job’s circumstance when all seems to be caving in? Can you identify with Jeremiah, who suffered for speaking the Word of God to people who do not want to hear? How about Hosea, who suffered in his marriage at the hands of an unfaithful wife? What drove these men to not go their own way but to persevere? The Lord’s nature and work. They understood the mercy and compassion of God. They knew of His sovereignty and power. They witnessed His might and justice. They feared His holiness. How much more so today, as Christians, should we persevere through suffering? We have Christ to look upon, whether at the hands of people or circumstances. As the ultimate picture of suffering wrongly, He persevered through it all. He did not waver even amid the strongest temptations brought to Him. Meditate on the words of Christ seen through the Old and New Testaments. Think upon His salvation for you and me. Reflect on the depth of His grace. Most of all, look to His coming.