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“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, NIV).
▸ We do not always know the reason for suffering.
▸ Even the righteous suffer.
▸ We do not always know which events or circumstances are directly caused by God.
▸ We must remain faithful regardless of circumstances. We must respect, in faith, God’s decisions in responding to circumstances.
▸ God blesses the faithful.
▸ The suffering need our support, not our explanations.
▸ Even after we question God to the point of accusing Him of being unfair, He forgives the penitent.
▸ God has compassion on the righteous even when they fall into despair due to hard times; for they come to Him with weak faith, not necessarily with a loss of faith.
▸ There is a battle between God and Satan, with us as the target.
▸ Our perseverance gives God, as well as us, victory over Satan.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7, ESV).