Be strong and courageous . . . stand firm.  James 5.10-11

Do you feel it?  Do you sense it?  The end is near . . . of the book of James, I mean.  He sure packed his letter with wisdom for the first-century Jewish converts to Christianity, but it has such terrific application for our lives two thousand years later.  So remarkable!  God’s Word does not go out of style because people are people are people, and the human condition does not change much.  Though times and cultures change, what we face in life does not—temptation, trials, relationship struggles, an uncertain future, etc. 

James seems to come full circle here—back to the discussion of patience in the face of difficulty and suffering.  "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." James 5.10-11  

Christians will not be spared of suffering, which is contrary to some of the thinking of our day.  Christians will experience life, with all of its ups and downs, twists and turns, but the difference is that we are promised that God will never leave us, and never forsake us. Hebrews 13.5   James mentioned Job as a testament of perseverance—have you ever wondered how this man did not give up on God?  He suffered tremendously as he lost all his material wealth, his children, and then his health—being covered with painful boils.  His wife even told him to curse God, yet his response was, 'though he slay me, yet I will hope in him.'

Don't misunderstand--Job questioned and he wrestled with God, but nonetheless, he held the course.  Yep, he stood firm, and said, "but he knows the way that I take, when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold . . .” Job 23.9-11  “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." Job 19.25

"Redeemer" by Nicole Mullen. Consider the import of these powerful lyrics:  http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=JFECMCNU

‘Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning? ?Who told the ocean ‘you can only come this far’? ?Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening? ?Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well I know my Redeemer lives . . .?All of creation testify, this life within me cries . . . I know my Redeemer lives.

The very same God that spins things in orbit-- He runs to the weary, the worn and the weak. ?And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken . . . they conquered death to bring me victory!

Now I know my Redeemer lives, ?I know my Redeemer lives . . .  ?Let all creation testify, ?let this life within me cry . . .  ?I know my Redeemer lives to take away my shame.   And he lives forever I'll proclaim, ?that the payment for my sin, was the precious life he gave . . . but now he's alive, and there's an empty grave.’

Whatever you are facing, whatever you are going through, you are not alone.  Your Redeemer lives, and he will never leave you, he will never abandon you.  God is full of compassion and mercy and he extends it toward you.

Grace to you,

Christine