Read James 5:10–11
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take
the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
James 5:10
The prophets encourage us by reminding us that God cares for us
when we go through sufferings for His sake. Elijah announced to
wicked King Ahab that there would be a drought in the land for three
and one-half years, and Elijah himself had to suffer in that drought
(James 5:17–18). But God cared for him, and God gave him victory
over the evil priests of Baal (1 Kings 17—18).
Many of the prophets had to endure great trials and sufferings,
not only at the hands of nonbelievers, but at the hands of professed
believers. Jeremiah was arrested as a traitor and even thrown into an
abandoned well to die. God fed Jeremiah and protected him throughout that terrible siege of Jerusalem. Both Ezekiel and Daniel had their
share of hardships, but the Lord delivered them. And even those who
died for the faith received that special reward for those who are true
to Him.
The impact of a faithful, godly life carries much power. We need
to remind ourselves that our patience in times of suffering is a testimony to others around us.
Something to Ponder
When you are in the minority, but know you are right, how do you
keep from caving in to popular opinion?