3/10/25

James 5:11 NASB95 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.

It has happened many times. I sat at the hospital with someone who has a loved one in surgery or in serious condition. They are struggling with the thought of their loved one struggling. It can be some of the most difficult times of life. However, at the end they feel the blessing of having the Lord with them comforting them and strengthening them through the whole process.

During the struggle they will often times wonder if God is there. Yet it never fails if they have faith and endure, no matter the outcome they feel his compassion and mercy at the end and realize it was there the whole time.

If we look at Job we see that his reliance on the Lord was not just after the blessings but was there through out. That is endurance. After his endurance then he received the blessings of the physical nature. However, during his struggle he had the blessings of compassion and mercy, they never left. We look for the blessings of the physical nature but it is the blessings of his presence that enables us to endure. If we will endure in Him, then we will receive the blessings of the physical nature. I have been blessed to experience this even in the death (passing) of a loved one, simply by enduring in the Lord. I pray you will as well.

So when you struggle think of Job and endure in Christ. He will bless you during with compassion and mercy. Then He will bless you after the endurance with His Grace.

Love Bro. Scott