Wednesdays in the Word

A compilation of verses from James 5 beginning at verse 7.
     Therefore, be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. (Then skipping to verse 10) As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealing, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
     Though we go through hard times, trials, misfortune, annoyances, and pain... we are to be patient. We are to fix our eyes on the better things to come. Fix your eyes on the coming of the Lord because that will give you the patience to endure. When you fix your eyes on Heaven and all that the Lord has in store for you, you receive an unexplainable strength that brings about patience. And in verse 11 it says... We count those blessed who endured. Those who endure will be rewarded for their patient efforts. Why? Because God is merciful and compassionate on His people. He is not a God that wants to leave us hanging. He is right by our side weeping with us in compassion, strengthening us with his power, and forgiving us with his mercy. So what does it mean to be patient though? It means bearing those things of annoyance, misfortune, delay, hardship, and pain with mental and emotional strength and calmness and without complaint or anger. Be encouraged today in your hardships, because we as Christians have the solution. We have the answer, the final product. If you fix your eyes on the coming of the Lord, the things you're going through right now will only be a speck in time. So be patient and strengthen your heart until the coming of the Lord.

     (Skipping to verse 13) Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. (Skipping to verse16b) The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.
     There is power in prayer. It says that those who are in suffering are to pray. But what I love most about this particular passage is the follow up of verse 16. It says that Elijah, a man just like us, prayed earnestly. It says he prayed and then he prayed again. Not just one prayer, but he prayed again. Earnestly. And the Lord heard his prayer and answered it. Why would this story follow the command to pray? Because its proof that God does hear our prayers. Elijah pleaded with the Lord, and the Lord was gracious to His son.

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.