The days are evil, and some professing Christians are wandering from the faith. Others are sick, and many are suffering. Considering all of this, be patient until the coming of the Lord (James 5:7).
Some who hold power will use it to condemn the righteous. But take heart, Jesus will overthrow their authority on the day of his return. Their riches will rot, and their fine garments will be moth-eaten (James 5: 14). The laborer whose wages they held back is crying out against them. The Lord promises to hear their cry (James 5:4).
Wait patiently for the Lord, as the farmer waits for the early and latter rains (James 5:7). Establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand (James 4: 8), and do not grumble against your fellow Christians so that you may not be judged (James 5: 9).
Be examples of suffering and patience to one another, and do not wander from the faith. Those who remain steadfast are considered blessed. Remember the steadfastness of Job and how, through his suffering, we saw the purposes of God—how the Lord was compassionate and merciful (James 5:10-11).
Live with integrity. Be on guard against sins our culture considers virtues. The temptation will be to conform to the patterns of this world. If you live in a culture where bribes are common, you will be tempted to bribe. If slander and half-truths advance the cause of the ungodly, you will also be tempted to do so. Do not compromise. That is not how to live patiently. That is neglecting God’s word and taking matters into your own hands.
Let your “yes” be yes, and your “no” be no. Your life should be of such integrity that you do not need to bind your words with oaths for people to believe you (James 5:12). If your culture does not take you seriously unless you fill your speech with profanity, let them scoff. Do not conform.
Finally, be people of prayer and praise. If you are hurting, pray; if you are cheerful, praise. Every situation should draw you to your Savior (James 5:13). Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another. For the prayer of a righteous person accomplishes much (James 5:16).
Remember Elijah, he had the same nature as you and me, and he prayed fervently that it would not rain, and it did not rain for three years. Then he prayed for rain, and it rained (James 5:17-18). Do not believe the lies of those who say prayer is a waste of time; or those who say that prayer is only a spiritual discipline to calm our hearts.
Remain steadfast in the faith, be patient; your reward is coming. If you see a fellow Christian wandering from the faith because of these temptations, call them back. If they come back, you will have saved their soul from death (James 5:20).
This is how we are to wait patiently for the coming of the Lord.
-D. Eaton
The Fight of Faith 