
Waiting is one of the hardest things for us to do. We wait in traffic, in doctor’s offices, in checkout lines—and it frustrates us. But waiting in life’s bigger seasons is even harder: waiting for relief from suffering, waiting for prayers to be answered, waiting for God to make things right.
James writes to believers under pressure and reminds them that patience isn’t weakness. It’s strength. It’s faith in action. Just as a farmer waits for rain and harvest, believers must wait for the Lord’s return. And while we wait, we’re called to live with patience, gentleness, and integrity—trusting that God is full of compassion and mercy.
“What do you do while you wait?” That’s James’s question. Do you grumble? Do you take shortcuts? Or do you trust the Lord who is near? James shows us that waiting isn’t wasting—it’s worship. And the way we wait reveals the depth of our faith.
Week 9 (Part 2): Faith That Waits Patiently
Text: James 5:7–12 Big Idea:Faith that works endures with patience, integrity, and hope until the Lord’s return.
I. Patience in Suffering
James 5:7–8 (NIV)
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
Cross References:
- Galatians 6:9 – Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
- Romans 8:25 – But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
- Analogy: Farmers wait through seasons, trusting the rains (early = autumn, latter = spring) will bring harvest.
- Patience implies long-suffering, steady endurance under trial.
Why We Struggle: We want instant relief, not patient waiting. Our culture conditions us for quick results, but God grows character through delay.
Theological Summary: The farmer’s patience illustrates the believer’s hope. Just as the harvest comes in its season, so God’s promises will be fulfilled.
Know This: Patience isn’t passive—it’s active trust that God’s timing is perfect.
II. Endurance Without Grumbling
James 5:9 (NIV)
Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Cross References:
- Philippians 2:14 – Do everything without grumbling or arguing.
- Matthew 7:1 – Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
Why We Struggle: When suffering, we often take frustrations out on others. Grumbling turns suffering into division.
Theological Summary:
- Patience is tested in community. Enduring hardship with unity reflects trust in God’s justice.
- Suffering should unite believers, not divide them. Accountability before Christ restrains critical speech.
Know This: Grumbling against others reveals a lack of trust in God’s nearness as Judge. (Remember the wilderness)
III. Examples of Endurance
James 5:10–11 (NIV)
Brothers and sisters, 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 count as 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.
Cross References:
- Hebrews 11:32–34 – And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets… who through faith conquered kingdoms…
- Hebrews 11:13 NIV “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.”
- Job 42:10–11 – After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.
Why We Struggle: We want quick fixes, not long tests. Job’s story reminds us that suffering may last longer than we want, but God is compassionate in the end.
Theological Summary: Patience is not only about time—it’s about trust. Endurance sees beyond present pain to God’s future mercy.
Know This: Your suffering may last for a season, but God’s compassion lasts forever.
IV. Integrity in Speech
James 5:12 (NIV)
Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
Cross References:
- Matthew 5:37 – All you need to say is simply “Yes” or “No”; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
- Ecclesiastes 5:5 – It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.
Why We Struggle: In moments of pressure, we try to prove sincerity with oaths or exaggerated promises. But integrity is proven in consistency.
Theological Summary: Truthful, simple speech reflects a heart of integrity. Endurance in suffering is accompanied by honesty in words.
Know This: Patience and integrity go hand in hand—your character should speak louder than your oaths.
Doctrinal Themes in James 5:7–12
- Eschatology – The return of Christ is the anchor of Christian patience.
- Ecclesiology – The church is called to unity, resisting internal division under external pressure.
- Sanctification – Suffering forms character and endurance (Romans 5:3–4).
- Theology Proper – God is compassionate and merciful, bringing redemptive ends out of trial.
APPLICATION
HEAD (What to Believe):
The Lord is near; His coming is certain. Suffering is temporary, but God’s compassion is eternal.
HEART (What to Feel):
Hope in trials, confidence in God’s mercy, and conviction to endure without grumbling.
HAND (What to Do):
- Practice patience in daily frustrations.
- Refuse to grumble or complain against others.
- Speak truthfully, letting your word be reliable without embellishment.
Key Takeaways:
- Patience is trusting God’s timing, like a farmer waiting for rain.
- Grumbling against others dishonors God as Judge.
- The prophets and Job show us endurance brings blessing.
- Integrity in speech reflects faith that waits and trusts.