‘Therefore be patient (longsuffering with people), brethren, UNTIL the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it UNTIL it receives the early and the latter rain’, James chapter 5 verse 7 (read verses 7-20).

How easily do you lose patience with people? The readers of James’ letter could easily have done so as they faced immense pressure from unscrupulous employers, who withheld their rightful wages, verse 4, and took advantage of the fact that they did not resist them, verse 6. James emphasised that such evil men would reap what they sowed, verse 1.

When we are being unfairly treated, we must remember that there is always an ‘UNTIL’ that is worth waiting for! The ‘UNTIL’ that James encourages his readers with is ‘UNTIL THE COMING OF THE LORD’, verse 7. We can look beyond the dark days that often invade our lives, to this great event that will bring an end to any injustices we might suffer now at the hands of ungodly men. Jesus came into the world to be our Saviour through His death on the cross. Just prior to His crucifixion He met with His disciples. They were understandably sad that He was about to leave them but He promised them that, after His death, they would see Him again. He comforted them with this thought:

• ‘I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also’, John chapter 14 verse 3.
• ‘Therefore, you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you’, John chapter 16 verse 22.

Although these words were initially spoken by Jesus to His disciples, they apply to all those who trust Him as their Saviour. We can also gain encouragement by considering the patience of others in the midst of testing circumstances, e.g. farmers, verse 7; the Old Testament prophets, who face immense hostility, verse 10; Job, who lost everything that was dear to him, verse 11. God always has positive ends in view for us, even if we cannot see them at the time. The ultimate end in view is to see the Lord Jesus and to be with Him in heaven forever!