Three Essential Questions
After watching the message take some time reflect on the following three questions.
- What did you hear? What point in this message was most impactful for you?
- What do you think? How did this message challenge, change, or affirm your thinking?
- What will you do? How will you put into practice what you've learned today?
"Be patient, my friends, until the Lord comes back. Remember how patient farmers are as they wait for their valuable crops to mature and ripen. They also wait patiently for the spring and fall rains to do their work. You too must be patient! Don't give up, because the Lord could arrive at any time! And don't complain - especially against each other – or God will judge you! Remember that the real Judge is standing at the door! Another example of patience in the face of suffering is God's prophets who spoke God's truth in hard times. Today, we honor them for their patient endurance when they suffered unjustly. Then remember the example of Job. Job continued to patiently trust God while enduring great pain. But we know how God fulfilled his purpose for Job and that his plan for Job ended in good because the Lord always treats us with tender compassion and merciful kindness." James 5:7-11
WHEN IS WAITING PATIENTLY AN ACT OF FAITH?
1. WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES ARE UNCONTROLLABLE
"Be patient, my friends, until the Lord comes back. Remember how patient farmers are as they wait for their valuable crops to mature and ripen. They also wait patiently for the spring and fall rains to do their work. You too must be patient! Don't give up, because the Lord could arrive at any time!" James 5:7-8
ACTION PLAN: Make a list of your uncontrollable circumstances that you are going through right now. Next to each one, write down if you have let it go, pray about it, or if you are worrying about it. Share them with your small group or someone you trust.
2. WHEN THE TRUTH IS UNPOPULAR
"Another example of patience in the face of suffering is God's prophets who spoke God's truth in hard times. Today, we honor them for their patient endurance when they suffered unjustly."
James 5:10-11a
"Don't grumble about each other, my brothers and sisters, or
God will judge you. Remember, the great Judge is coming. He is standing at the door! James 5:9 (NLT)
3. WHEN PAIN IS UNBEARABLE & UNEXPLAINABLE
"Then remember the example of Job. Job continued to patiently trust God while enduring great pain. But we know how God fulfilled his purpose for Job and that his plan for Job ended in good because the Lord always treats us with tender compassion and merciful kindness." James 5:11
WHAT SHOULD I REMEMBER WHILE I'M WAITING?
1. REMEMBER GOD IS IN CONTROL!
"Be patient, my friends, until the Lord comes back." James 5:7
"Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." James 5:8
"Don't complain…the Judge is ready to come!" James 5:9 (NCV)
ACTION PLAN: Using your list from #1 before, write 'God is in control' next to each circumstance. Write it again. Share with your small group or a trusted friend how you are letting go and letting God be in control.
2. REMEMBER GOD REWARDS PATIENCE.
"We consider blessed those who have persevered." James 5:11 (NIV)
"Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will
reap a harvest of blessing IF we don't get discouraged and give up."
Gal. 6:9 (LB)
3. REMEMBER THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE STORY!
"We know how God fulfilled his purpose for Job and that his plan for
Job ended in good because the Lord always treats us with tender
compassion and merciful kindness." James 5:11b
"'I know what I am planning for you' says the Lord. 'I have good
plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I'll give you hope and a good
future!'" Jer. 29:11 (NCV)
HOW DO I TRUST GOD WHILE I'M WAITING?
1. LIKE FARMERS, WAIT EXPECTANTLY!
"… I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for He has promised."
Ps. 130:5 (LB)
"No one who waits for my help will be disappointed."
Isa. 49:23 (TEV)
ACTION PLAN: For each of the circumstances in #1, write down your daily prayer that demonstrates your commitment to His time and not yours.
2. LIKE THE PROPHETS, WAIT WITHOUT COMPLAINING!
"It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lam. 3:26
3. LIKE JOB, WAIT CONFIDENTLY!
"If a man dies, can he come back to life? I will wait for better times;
I will wait till this time of trouble is ended." Job 14:14 (TEV)
"Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint!" Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
ACTION PLAN:During your quiet time this week, memorize Psalm 139:23-24 to be used as a prayer when you are in the middle of a conflict. Ask God for power to change anything that he points out about yourself, and eyes to see the path he wants you to follow.
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