Faithful Waiting: Trusting God Through Life's Seasons

Devotional

Day 1: Patient Endurance in Suffering

Patience is essential for believers as we wait for God’s timing, especially in seasons of hardship and uncertainty. Like the farmer who waits for the precious crop, we are called to endure with hope, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see the outcome. In a world that craves instant results, learning to wait patiently can feel impossible, but it is in this waiting that our faith is refined and our hearts are drawn closer to God. When suffering tempts us to fix everything ourselves or to despair, we are reminded to stand firm, knowing that the Lord’s coming is near and that our perseverance is not in vain. [11:57]

James 5:7-8 (ESV)
"Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you struggling to wait on God’s timing, and how can you practice patient endurance this week instead of trying to force a solution?

Day 2: Honoring God with What You Can Control

We are called to honor God by faithfully doing what we can, while trusting Him with what is beyond our control. Just as a farmer cannot control the rain but must still plant and tend the crops, we are responsible for our actions, attitudes, and words, even when circumstances are uncertain or stressful. This means resisting the urge to panic or freeze when trouble comes, and instead keeping a steady heart, knowing that God is sovereign over what we cannot change. When we focus on honoring God in the small, daily choices, we find peace in the midst of waiting and uncertainty. [18:55]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What is one specific situation where you need to let go of control and trust God this week, and what practical step can you take to honor Him in what you can do?

Day 3: The Power of Words in Times of Suffering

Our words hold great power, especially when we are under pressure or experiencing pain. James warns us not to grumble or lash out at others during difficult times, as this only leads to greater division and isolation. Instead, we are called to guard our speech, speak truthfully, and keep our promises, reflecting the character of Christ even when it is hard. In a world where trust is easily broken, being people of our word can be a powerful witness to those around us and a source of healing in our relationships. [35:26]

James 5:12 (ESV)
"But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no' be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation."

Reflection: Is there someone you need to apologize to or a promise you need to keep this week in order to reflect Christ’s truthfulness and integrity?

Day 4: Learning from the Perseverance of the Prophets and Job

The examples of the prophets and Job remind us that faithful endurance in suffering is possible and blessed by God. These men and women faced unimaginable trials, yet they clung to hope and honored God with their lives, trusting that their suffering was not the end of their story. Job, in particular, teaches us that even when everything is stripped away, seeing God and experiencing His presence is worth more than any earthly comfort. Their stories encourage us to persevere, knowing that God is full of compassion and mercy, and that He is working for our good even in the darkest times. [25:59]

James 5:10-11 (ESV)
"As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful."

Reflection: Who in your life has modeled perseverance in suffering, and how can their example inspire you to trust God more deeply in your own trials?

Day 5: God’s Presence and Compassion in Our Pain

God does not always remove our pain, but He promises to be present with us in it, offering compassion, mercy, and hope. Sometimes, the greatest gifts come not from the removal of suffering, but from the ways God meets us and shapes us through it—through the kindness of others, the deepening of our faith, and the hope of seeing Him face to face. We are invited to look for God’s gifts in the midst of hardship and to be His hands and feet to others who are suffering, trusting that our pain is not the end of the story but a doorway to deeper communion with Him. [30:51]

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Reflection: How has God shown you compassion in a time of pain, and is there someone you can reach out to this week to offer comfort or practical help?

Sermon Summary

Life is full of seasons—some joyful, some marked by deep struggle and pain. In these times, it’s easy to feel alone, unseen, or overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control. Yet, the invitation is to remember that God sees, knows, and hears us, even when no one else does. The passage from James 5:7-12 calls us to patience, especially in suffering, and uses the image of a farmer waiting for the rains as a model for how we are to wait on the Lord. Just as the farmer does all he can—preparing the soil, planting the seed, tending the field—and then must trust God for the rain, so too are we called to honor God with what we can control and trust Him with what we cannot.

Patience is not passive resignation but an active, hopeful waiting. It’s a choice to stand firm, to not grumble or lash out at others in our pain, and to guard our words and hearts. Suffering has a way of revealing what we truly believe and where our hope lies. It exposes the false gods we may cling to and invites us to hold more tightly to the true God. The examples of the prophets and of Job remind us that perseverance in suffering is not wasted; it is often in these seasons that we come to see God more clearly. Job’s story, in particular, shows that the ultimate gift is not the restoration of what was lost, but the deeper knowledge and vision of God Himself.

In the midst of pain, God’s compassion and mercy are present, often through the hands and feet of others who come alongside us. Sometimes, God does not remove the pain, but instead gives us Himself in the midst of it, offering a communion and intimacy that cannot be found any other way. We are called to be people of integrity, whose words are trustworthy, and whose hope is anchored not in the absence of suffering, but in the promise of Christ’s return and the restoration of all things. As we wait, may we be people who honor God with what we can control, trust Him with what we cannot, and look for the ways He is giving to us—even in the hardest moments.

Key Takeaways

1. Honor God with What You Can Control, Trust Him with What You Cannot Like the farmer who prepares the field but cannot command the rain, we are called to faithfully do what is within our power and entrust the rest to God. This posture of surrender is not easy, especially when anxiety and fear threaten to overwhelm us, but it is the path to peace in the midst of uncertainty. When we focus on honoring God in our actions and attitudes, we find rest in His sovereignty over what we cannot change. [17:30]
2. Patience in Suffering Reveals the True State of Our Hearts Times of hardship strip away our illusions and expose what we truly worship—whether it is comfort, control, or God Himself. Suffering is a refining fire that brings our deepest loyalties to the surface, giving us the opportunity to let go of false gods and cling to the One who is steadfast. It is in these moments that we discover the depth of our faith and the reality of God’s presence. [21:19]
3. The Greatest Gift in Suffering is Seeing God More Clearly Job’s story teaches that the ultimate outcome of perseverance is not merely the restoration of what was lost, but a deeper, more intimate knowledge of God. Sometimes, the pain we endure becomes a doorway to encounter God in ways we never could have otherwise. The hope of seeing God—both now in part and fully in eternity—gives meaning to our waiting and endurance. [25:59]
4. God’s Compassion Often Arrives Through the Hands of Others In our darkest moments, God often sends helpers—people who offer practical support, encouragement, and presence. These acts of kindness are tangible expressions of God’s love and mercy, reminding us that we are not alone. When we feel prompted to reach out to someone in need, we participate in God’s ministry of comfort and healing. [29:30]
5. Integrity in Our Words is a Mark of Faithful Waiting In a world where truth is often compromised, followers of Jesus are called to be people whose words are trustworthy and reliable. Our “yes” should mean yes, and our “no” should mean no, reflecting the character of Christ in all our interactions. This integrity not only honors God but also builds trust and points others to the hope we have in Him. [35:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:13] - Family and 4-H Lessons
[03:10] - Facing Suffering and Patience
[04:46] - God Sees Our Struggles
[06:59] - Reading James 5:7-12
[08:40] - Longing for Christ’s Return
[11:09] - The Challenge of Patience
[12:33] - Lessons from Farming and Family
[14:25] - “Keep Cool, Don’t Freeze”
[17:30] - Honoring God and Trusting Him
[19:41] - Guarding Against Grumbling
[21:19] - Suffering Reveals Our Hearts
[23:33] - The Prophets and Perseverance
[25:15] - The Story and Endurance of Job
[27:35] - God’s Compassion and Mercy
[29:30] - Helpers in Times of Trouble
[32:21] - God’s Gifts in Pain
[34:10] - The Power of Simple, True Words
[36:22] - Living as People of Integrity
[37:48] - Jesus’ Suffering and Our Hope
[38:35] - Reflecting on Examples of Patience
[41:33] - Responsive Prayer and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

James 5:7-12 (ESV) — 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

Observation Questions

What image does James use to describe patience, and what does this image teach us about waiting on God? ([06:59])
According to the passage, what are some things James tells believers to avoid doing while they wait and suffer? ([06:59])
Who are the examples James gives of people who showed patience in suffering, and what do we learn from their stories? ([23:33])
What does James say about the words we use, especially in times of difficulty? ([34:10])

Interpretation Questions

Why might James use the example of a farmer waiting for rain to illustrate patience in suffering? What does this say about what we can and cannot control? ([14:25])
How does suffering reveal what we truly believe or what we are really trusting in? ([21:19])
What does Job’s story teach about the ultimate purpose or gift that can come through suffering? ([25:59])
Why do you think James connects patience and integrity in our words? How might these be related in the life of a believer? ([34:10])

Application Questions

Think about a current or recent season of struggle in your life. What are some things you can control and honor God with, and what are things you need to trust Him with? ([14:25])
When you are hurting or under stress, how do you tend to treat others? Are you more likely to grumble, lash out, or withdraw? What is one practical way you can guard your words and actions this week? ([19:41])
Can you identify any “false gods” (like comfort, control, or approval) that suffering has exposed in your life? How can you intentionally cling to God instead? ([21:19])
Have you ever experienced God’s compassion or mercy through the help of others during a hard time? How did that impact you? Is there someone you feel nudged to reach out to this week as a helper? ([29:30])
Job’s story shows that seeing God more clearly is the greatest gift in suffering. In your own life, has a hard season ever led you to know God in a deeper way? What did that look like? ([25:59])
James says our “yes” should mean yes and our “no” should mean no. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to be honest or follow through on your word? What is one step you can take to grow in integrity this week? ([34:10])
Who is someone you know who has suffered and waited well? What did you notice about their attitude or actions? How can their example encourage you in your own waiting? ([38:35])

Sermon Clips

Hard times make us long for Christ, and this was evident in the New Testament, too. It is also just an important reminder for us when we lose perspective and think that life here on earth is all that there is. However, we need to be reminded that as followers of Jesus, it is not. Jesus is coming back to make right all that is wrong in this world, all the brokenness, suffering, and pain. [00:09:17] (31 seconds) #HopeBeyondHardship

May that be a reminder, and may that be an encouragement to us all, that no matter what difficulty or hardship we are facing, we can rest assured that when we see Jesus' face again, that there will be peace, joy, and freedom. [00:10:14] (21 seconds) #PatienceInPain

Sometimes we don't even realize really who we are or what's important to us until we start facing some struggles. And that's what rises to the top. And I encourage you, no matter if you're facing a small struggle, a large struggle, no matter what this week holds or what happened even yesterday, that when we recognize who the true God is and what the false gods are in our lives, that we're able to hold on more tightly to the true God. [00:22:09] (35 seconds) #PatientHope

Job saw God. That was his purpose. After all he endured, he was able to see God. And Job, if you read through his account, he said, All of this was basically worth it because I got to see the face of God. [00:26:07] (16 seconds) #GodIsMerciful

Even when the darkness is allowed to come, God cannot be unkind to his children. James actually made up a new word that we just read it now and just think it's normal. But, like, I guess when he said that the Lord is full of compassion, that was the new phrase. And so, uncoupled with how James described mercy, he's trying to show the reader that despite all of the trouble, God is good. [00:27:45] (30 seconds) #HelpersAreHope

We need to honor God with what you can control and trust him with what you cannot. That's sometimes hard to swallow when the unimaginable strikes. It's like, oh, these things are really good in thought and word, but when you're actually putting it into practice, it's very difficult. I often struggle in that space of the in -between, what if this just doesn't feel good right now? There's a lot of hurt and pain and sorrow. What do we do when there's a terrible, awful event that happens and we can't even comprehend it? We can't wrap our brains around it. The only way I can cling to hope in these circumstances is to know that if I'm patiently waiting, I will be able to see God. And I will see the God acting through the tragedy, not as the cause of it. [00:28:15] (58 seconds) #PainIsNotTheEnd

Pain on this earth can only be understood through the perspective of heaven. We are only able to see just part of a journey, part of a story, and we don't get to see the end. No matter if we're seeing the very beginning or seeing something that is terrible and horrible, we need to, for those of us who trust in Jesus, we need to know that any pain and suffering you're experiencing is not the end of your story. It's just part of your journey. [00:31:16] (40 seconds) #ReceivingInPain

``Jesus knew pain, and he knew suffering. He knew betrayal. He knew it more deeply than any of us will ever experience. But Jesus also knew that that pain and suffering were not the end of his story. Through his death and resurrection for our sin, he conquered death. He was able to show that the pain and suffering of this world would be traded for freedom of life, eternal with him, where there would be no pain and suffering. The deep pain of this world is only endurable when we fix our eyes on another. [00:37:48] (39 seconds)

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