Devotion for Sunday, August 7, 2022

“As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful” (James 5:10-11).

Why is it we have an idea in our minds that there was some idyllic time when everyone loved the Lord?  The prophets were always hated for telling the truth.  We have been called into the life which comes through faith and Jesus promised that it would be hard.  Do not think yourself exempt from suffering but live in the goodness and mercy the Lord gives you in the face of a hostile world.

Lord, You have said that suffering is a part of what we experience in this life.  Help me to understand that this is what sin has caused.  Lead me through all my suffering to know that in You is the only hope there is and that those who cling to a false hope become angry when they hear the truth.  Help me to live in the true hope and speak the truth always.  Your Word is truth, and I am thankful for those who have spoken it that I may hear and obey it.

Lord Jesus, they killed You because of what You said.  Let me not take lightly these things, nor set them aside, but live into the reality that You are the Lord of all.  Guide me through all suffering for Your name’s sake so that I may stand firm and live in the true hope of Your salvation and not in false hope or for the demands of this world.  You know the way, for You are the way.  Lead me, Lord Jesus.  Amen.