“My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience” (James 5:10).
All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). So, how do you cope with and conquer such adversity and difficulty? How do you resist the temptation to retaliate when defrauded and mistreated? How do you live as a victor over—not a victim of—your circumstances?
James inspired counsel (vv. 7-11) for dealing with adversity begins with: Take a long look forward, Fortify your heart, and Avoid grumbling. (See last three posts)
The fourth part of this practical prescription for adversity is: Take a careful look backward. Like Jesus’ apostles, the Hebrew prophets were treated as the filth of the world and the off scouring of all things (1 Corinthians 4:13). Tradition reports that Isaiah was sawn in two; Daniel was hurled to the lions; Jeremiah was threatened, imprisoned, beaten, cast into a well of mud. Yet, none of them surrendered to adversity. They are legitimate heroes of faithfulness because of their perseverance and endurance.
The cancer of “poor me” thinking will metastasize and succumb to the lie that victory is impossible. The prophets and many others are historical proof that the endurance race of faith can be run and won. Quitting, therefore, is not a viable option.
You can succeed spiritually. A careful look backward at the prophets will renew your patience, give you comfort, and revitalize your hope (Romans 15:4).
