Hope That Gives Me Strength

James 5:7-11

7 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. 8 You too, be patient and stand
firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another,
brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering,
take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 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.

Hope That Gives Me Strength

Advent Series: Living In Hope!
James 5:7-11

Here is my question for you today: How does hope give you strength?

This fall we went through a series in the book of James called “Trials that Change Us”. We are going to finish up studying James in our present series because it speaks to how hope can make us stronger. Take a look at James 5:7-11...

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s coming. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage (strengthen your heart) for the coming of the Lord is near.

Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door! For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.

Here is a way to remember how hope can make you stronger:

H = ___________________
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

O = ____________________

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:18

P = _____________________

I rise early, before the sun is up; I CRY OUT for help and put my hope in your words.

Psalm 119.147

E = _____________________

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

How is God giving you opportunity to practice these things every day of your life?!