Delayed Gratification: Lessons from James 5:7-8

Can patience and self-control lead to a richer, more meaningful life? On this episode of Divine Harmony, join me, Cleshe Rice, as we explore the profound virtue of delayed gratification through the teachings of James 5:7-8. This timely scripture calls us to embrace patience and trust in God's perfect timing, a challenging yet rewarding endeavor in today's fast-paced world. We'll dissect how these ancient lessons can fortify our faith and provide strength and hope, especially during trying times. Are you ready to cultivate a heart that is steadfast in faith, even when immediate results seem elusive?

We'll journey back to the days of the Roman Empire, where early Christians faced dire struggles, and learn how James' message of patience still resonates today. Through the metaphor of the farmer patiently awaiting the harvest, we'll uncover the deeper promises of a future free from pain and suffering. This episode offers encouragement and wisdom for those striving to maintain hope amid life's challenges, urging us to focus on God's justice and restoration. Together, we'll commit to establishing our hearts in unwavering faith, as we eagerly anticipate the fulfillment of God's promises.

Transcript

Cleshe Rice : 0:14

Welcome back to Divine Harmony, her Voice in Faith. I'm your host, Cleshe Rice, and I am so happy that you decided to join me here today again, we're going to be diving into a somewhat frowned upon topic delayed gratification. It often requires patience and the ability to wait, trusting in God's perfect timing, and, as you know, in this day and age nobody wants to wait for anything. So today we'll explore that patience. We'll explore self-control and trusting in God's provision. The scripture I'm reading from today is James 5, 7 through 8, and it's the ESV translation. I'll read it. It says Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. So you guys know, as I've stated in other topics and things that we've discussed, I like to ask three questions anytime I'm reading the scriptures. So the first question is who? Who wrote it? The second question is why was it written? And the third question is who is James addressing? So I did that this time, as usual, and in this chapter, well, this first, I read the whole chapter. We're just going over this.

Cleshe Rice : 1:36

First, James wrote it and it's named after him. He was described in the Bible as the brother of Jesus. Initially he did not believe in the while Jesus was doing his ministry. He didn't believe in it, but he became a believer after the resurrection of Christ. Why was he writing this?

Cleshe Rice : 1:54

James wrote this letter to encourage believers who were scattered. They were weary, particularly after the death of the first martyr, which was Stephen. He wanted to remind them to be patient, to trust God and remain steadfast as they awaited Christ's return. Also, he wanted them to focus and have hope in that Jesus was coming back, the second return, to judge and create the new kingdom on earth, as the Bible says. So James is addressing his fellow believers during the Roman empire, offering some guidance on how to endure difficult times, because they were going through some suffering.

Cleshe Rice : 2:32

So the first thing, the first part of the verse I want to go over, is be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. So James encourages the believers to remain patient during their struggles. The metaphor of the farmer waiting for the harvest reminds us that good things take time and God's timing is always perfect. The next portion of the verse, which is James 5.8,. You also be patient, establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. The patience James speaks of is anchored in the hope of Christ's return.

Cleshe Rice : 3:11

The second coming is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, and it's in that event that we should look forward to, despite our difficulties, right. So we should always know that, no matter what we go through, we have to remember one that God is going to come back. Well, first, let me say this God gave us a promise, right, and his promise was that we are going to have some trials, we're going to have some tribulations, we're going to suffer a little bit, but it's all about how we look at the suffering, how we actually endure it, what do we do during it? And what James is saying and teaching the believers at this time, or encouraging them during this time, is how to do that right. So, to be patient, no matter what, remember God's word he's going to come back, he's going to judge the ones that are persecuting them, and then we're going to have an awesome heaven on earth, the kingdom that we look forward to living in without pain, without suffer, without worry, without pride, without mourning things like that. So he's trying to help them to remember that, to keep their minds focused on God and his promise and what he said he would do so in James 5, 8, it also states to establish your heart right. In James 5.8, it also states to establish your heart right. So establishing our hearts means that we must remain firm in our faith, awaiting God's justice and restoration. It requires a commitment to God, even when we can't see the immediate results. So when we trust in him, when we pray about things, when we're seeking his face for things and guidance, and knowing that we may not see the light at the end of the tunnel, but trusting in God that it is there and we will be able to touch it and reach it in his timing. And then the last piece of this states that.

Cleshe Rice : 5:09

The last piece of the verse in verse 7, see how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it until it receives the early and late rains. Everything is in God's timing. The farmers, their patience is immaculate. They're waiting for both the early and late rains. It's important for trusting God's timing for spiritual growth. God's plan unfolds in his perfect timing, even when we must wait. Just like the farmer sows the seed, he tills the land, he waits for rain. Then it rains and he waits for his seeds to grow. That takes time.

Cleshe Rice : 5:55

In today's fast-paced world, we often want everything immediately. We don't want to sow seeds, care for them, pray over them and wait for them to grow. But James uses that metaphor of the farmer to teach us otherwise. Just as the farmer waits patiently for the crops to grow, we are called to trust in the return of Christ and his promises for the crops to grow. We are called to trust in the return of Christ and his promises. We are to be steadfast in hope, allowing us to wait patiently and cheerfully.

Cleshe Rice : 6:21

James also encourages us to pray in all circumstances. In this chapter, in verse 13, he says if you're happy, pray. If you're afflicted, pray. If you're suffering, pray. Prayer should be a part of all of our experiences. It should be a part of our everyday life. We should pray whether it's in the morning, in the evening, before you go to bed. But we should be praying and seeking God about everything In our world.

Cleshe Rice : 6:47

We often want to see the fruits of our labor instantly, but James reminds us that good crops take time to grow. We must trust that God will nurture our efforts, water them and provide the strength to till the soil. This process takes time, sometimes months, sometimes years, but in the end, after all the waiting, the praying and the faith, the harvest will be great. So, if you're facing an issue, making a decision or waiting for something God has placed in you to develop, be patient, exercise self-control, put your trust in God and know that in due time your harvest will come. Be encouraged and remember to trust God's timing in all things, no matter what.

Cleshe Rice : 7:34

All right, let's close for prayer. Heavenly Father, I pray that you help us to be patient in all we do, to learn to wait on you and your timing in all things, to develop hearts like James to lean on your word, your timing and your guidance in all things, to hope in your return, father God, and your promise, to remember that nothing can happen apart from you and apart from prayer. I pray that we all will practice self-control and discipline when it comes to gratification and not allow the fast pace of this world that we live in but are not a part of take root and we keep you and your ways at the forefront of our minds. In Jesus' name, I pray, amen and amen. So, guys, I never want to assume because you can believe before you belong. But as we close today, I want to extend an invitation.

Cleshe Rice : 8:30

If you're listening and you feel a tug in your heart, if you've been waiting for God to move in your life, but you're struggling with patience or trusting his time, and I encourage you to come before him now. Maybe you've never fully surrendered your life to Christ or maybe you've been holding back, waiting for the right moment. Now is the moment. God is waiting with open arms for you. He wants to give you peace, guidance and strength to trust in his plan. If you are ready to make that decision, repeat after me. Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to you. I trust in your timing and your perfect plan. Forgive me for trying to control things on my own and help me grow in patience, faith and trust in you. I believe in your promises and I receive your love and grace today. Thank you for being my Savior and guiding me through every season of life. In Jesus' name amen.

Cleshe Rice : 9:41

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God. Remember you are not only in this journey. God is with you every step of the way. Please reach out to us if you have any questions. We are here to help Subscribe to the Arc. It's a community of believers that we just encourage each other. Let's connect to grow together. God bless you. Thank you again. I can't thank you enough for joining me today on Divine Harmony, her Voice in Faith. I truly hope that this message on delayed gratification, patience and trusting God's time has touched your heart and encouraged you in this journey. Rest in God's time. And has touched your heart and encourage you in this journey. If this resonated with you, I invite you to subscribe to our community, the Art, where you'll receive extra perks and exclusive content to help you grow in your faith. Don't forget to like and follow so you can stay connected with us. I look forward to sharing more with you in the future episodes. God bless you and have a wonderful rest of your day.