Hold Up. Don't Fold Up.

November 24th, 2025
by Bob Day

Hold Up. Don't Fold Up.

by Bob Day

In the context of our passage, James is writing to people who are suffering. Some are being defrauded by their employers, who are withholding their daily wages. This meant that they could not provide food for their families. James assures them that while they're suffering now, he encourages them to be patient and wait for the Lord's return, and He will straighten out the situation.

I admit that when things are not going well in my life, I tend to have very little patience and want to go riding off in all directions to try to "fix" the situation. Perhaps you're the same. If so, James' advice to his original readers is the same for us: be patient, let God work it out.
James 5:7–12 encourages us to be patient as we await the Lord's coming. The passage begins with the instruction to "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord," using the example of a farmer who patiently waits for the early and late rains for his crops.

A farmer cannot rush a crop to maturity. After sowing seeds, he must patiently wait through the "early and late rains" for the harvest. This involves working diligently—weeding, tending, and protecting the field—but accepting that the growth is ultimately in God's hands.

In the same way, Christians are called to be faithful and diligent in our lives, but to trust God's timing for the outcome. We may not see immediate results, but we must persevere, knowing that our "harvest"—the return of Christ—will come at the right time. This is followed by the exhortation to "be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near".

James also points to the Old Testament prophets as examples of those who patiently endured suffering for their faith. Facing ridicule and rejection, many prophets, such as Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Elijah, faced immense ridicule and persecution from the very people God sent them to. Yet, they held fast to their calling, demonstrating that faith can persevere in the face of hostility. The prophets often delivered messages of hope and judgment, but did not live to see their prophecies fulfilled. Their faithfulness was a long-term, steadfast commitment to God's word, rather than focusing on immediate results.

The passage also warns against grumbling against one another, so that we may not be judged, because "the Judge is standing at the door". As examples of suffering and patience, we are pointed to the steadfastness of Job, remembering "the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful". The story of Job is a potent and specific case study in patient endurance through intense suffering, a key theme James returns to.

Enduring unexplained suffering, Job faced the loss of his family, his wealth, and his health for reasons he was not told. His experience shows that patient endurance is often required when the "why" of our suffering remains a mystery. Despite his friends' and wife's terrible counsel, Job did not compromise his integrity or blaspheme God. He persevered by entrusting himself to God, demonstrating a profound trust in God's compassionate and merciful character, even when he could not understand God's actions. While Job did not receive an answer for his suffering, he did experience God's mercy and restoration. James points to this outcome as proof that God is compassionate and that a reward awaits those who patiently endure their trials.

The Scriptures say that all things are working out for our good so that we might be conformed to the image of Christ. (Rom. 8:28, 29). Perhaps the troubles and suffering that you're experiencing are for your good. Perhaps your problems and suffering are for the benefit of someone else who may be looking at your life, wondering what it looks like when a Christian faces challenging times. 1 Thess. 5:18 tells us to be thankful in all things because this is God's will for us. Patience is the fruit of the Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is working to cultivate it in our lives.

Take the time to think about and thank God for the multitude of blessings that he gives us daily. You should also thank God that He's with you in the middle of your troubles and suffering. Hold up, don't fold up because Jesus is coming back soon, and He will make right the wrongs that you're experiencing.

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