Notes on Hope Devotional

The Lord Finally

James 5:11 (NIV)
“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.”

Back in June, I did an online Bible study with Beth Moore called Artistry and Mystery: A Look at the Book of Job. The overview and cultural context offered a deeper look at a man who suffered greatly. Beth Moore called the book of Job, “Among the most brilliant, beautiful and brutal literature ever recorded.”

Before my husband suddenly died, I stayed as far away from Job as I could. The year after, I read it ravenously to grasp how suffering changes a person and to discover hope in the midst of the suffering.

Today’s verse from James declares the result of Job’s suffering: we count as blessed those who have persevered.” Merriam-Webster defines perseverance as, “the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.” Words like persistent, tenacity, and endure come to mind as how perseverance develops. The word that doesn’t seem to describe it is “blessed.” Like the “blessed are those that mourn” it goes against what we think and feel.

As James mentions Job’s perseverance, he adds an addendum: “and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.” There was an outcome, a result that wasn’t seen in the middle of the suffering.

In the middle of our suffering, we can’t possibly know or see any outcome. Suffering can eclipse our view of the future. Suffering can put limits on hope. But suffering can also produce perseverance and a deepening of our faith that “the Lord finally” brings about.

The final sentence of this verse sets the table in the midst of our suffering: “The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” Amidst the tragedies and losses Job suffered, the Lord remained faithful to restore and bless Job. As James reminds us, like Job, we can persevere and keep going as we trust the Lord, who is full of compassion and mercy.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for seeing us in our suffering. Thank You for being full of compassion and mercy. Help us keep going and continue to trust and know that “the Lord finally” will bring us through. In Jesus Name, Amen.