Going Through a Hard Time? 3 Reasons to be Encouraged.

If you are going through a hard time right now, and most of you are, then I want to give you three reasons to be encouraged this morning.  They come from James 5:10-11.

"Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name as an example of suffering and patience. See, we count as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome that the Lord brought about—the Lord is compassionate and merciful."

1) God's greatest servants had to suffer.  Suffering does not mean that you are sinful, or that you are spiritually immature, or that you have weak faith, or that God is punishing you.  God's greatest servants throughout history have suffered much.  "... take the prophets who spoke in the Lord's name as an example of suffering and patience."

2) God will not let you suffer forever.  James 5:10-11 mentions two examples of suffering -- the prophets, and Job.  In both cases, their suffering is in the past tense.  It is over.  It is finished.  They are now in heaven enjoying God.  No matter what you are going through, it will pass.

3) God will not let you suffer for nothing.  Job suffered much, but in the end God rewarded Him much.  "You have heard of Job's endurance and have seen the outcome that the Lord brought about."  What happened to job?  The Lord restored his fortunes and doubled his previous possessions.  The Lord blessed the last part of Job's life more than the first.  He even had ten more children!  You will have to suffer in this life, but to those who endure and remain faithful to Jesus Christ, God will give great rewards.  They may not all be given this side of heaven, but they will be given.