Two Things About Job by W. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 30, 1907

Two Things About Job

By W. A. S.

“Ye have heard of the patience of Job.” James 5:11.

Yes; we have all heard of it. For thirty centuries it has been talked about.

But we have heard another thing of Job also. We have heard of his trials. In fact, had it not been for his trials, we never should have heard of his patience.

That is an important part of the lesson that comes to us from the ancient land of Uz. Many long for the patience of Job, who forget the trials amid which he obtained it. “Tribulation worketh patience.” Rom. 5:3. As we pray for patience, let us not be dismayed as the

trials come which are to develop that grace in our souls.

The natural thought is that we might be very patient if it were not for the trials. It appears that the trials, the things that go wrong, are the things that make us impatient. But the very reverse is the truth. It is the trial that works the patience.

Knowing this, we may heartily and joyfully “glory in tribulations also.” They are not against us, but “for us.” Jesus is proving his fellowship with us in suffering. “In all their affliction he was afflicted.” Christ walks through the heat furnace of trial with his own. The tribulation works that sweet grace of patience because Jesus himself is touched with the feeling of our infirmity, and his all-sufficient grace bestows upon the tried one his own patience.

The remnant church is specially characterized as a patient church. “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12. The tribulations, then, must come. The prophet describes them—the wrath of the dragon against the remnant, the experiences that will try every soul in the time of shaking and testing.

The faith of Jesus and the patience of Jesus will keep us if we hold fast. He sends the message for this time: “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Rev. 3:10, 11.

But while seeking grace for the great trials, let us not overlook the need of patience in the common trials of the daily routine. There is grace for tired nerves and hasty spirits. Thank God for the lesson of Job’s trials and patience.

W. A. S.