Are you in God’s waiting room? Are you trusting God’s Timing?

LET YOUR FAITH ROAR

Faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. James 2:17 (BSB).

Battle—Tested Faith

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.James 5:7–11 (NIV)

The Siege Of Tobruk

Tobruk was the only deep-water port in Eastern Libya, which was heavily fortified. Capturing Tobruk was essential for the Axis advance on Alexandria and Suez. In April 1941, German Field Marshal Rommel made capturing it the main objective of his first offensive in North Africa. 

Allied forces in Libya's eastern coastal region were caught entirely by surprise and retreated several hundred miles across the desert toward Tobruk. My grandfather, Jimmy Trotter, fought and was captured in that battle at Sidi Rezegh. The losses were incredibly high; the 5th South African Infantry Brigade entered this action with a strength of 5,800 and emerged with fewer than 2,000. 

Realising that he had a chance to capture Tobruk before the Allies could reorganise a defence, Rommel pushed forward. The 9th Australian Division, supported by British tanks and artillery, repulsed the initial German assaults. Even when the fresh 15th Panzer Division attacked on 30 April, they held on for eight long months.

Under siege, the defenders had to adapt to life in stifling heat while facing constant artillery and air bombardment. Food and water supplies dwindled, and flies, fleas, and illness plagued the troops. Nevertheless, morale remained high - the Australians adopted the ironic nickname 'The Rats of Tobruk’ in response to Nazi radio propaganda describing them as being caught 'like rats in a trap.’ Rommel said, ”If I had to take hell, I would use the Australians to take it and the New Zealanders to hold it.”

The first virtue of a soldier is endurance of fatigue; courage is only the second virtue. Napoleon Bonaparte

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:12–13 (NIV)

Forged In The Wait

1. Remember Jesus’ Return

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:7 (NIV) 

Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.Philippians 3:20 (NIV)

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:2-3 (NIV)

Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 (NIV)

2. Remember The Farmer

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. James 5:7 (NIV)

You too, be patient and stand firm (establish your heart). James 5:8 (NIV)

The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15 (NIV)

3. Remember The Holy Spirit

Be patient… See how the farmer patiently waits for the autumn and spring rains. James 5:7

In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Acts 2:17 (NIV)

Come, let us return to the Lord… Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. Hosea 6:1, 3 (NIV)

4. Remember Your Relationships

Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! James 5:9 (NIV)

5. Remember Godly Examples

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. James 5:10–11 (NIV)

They were put to death by stoning; they were sawn in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith. Hebrews 11:37–39 (NIV)

Though he slay me, yet will I hope in Him. Job 13:15 (NIV)

Conclusion

As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11 (NIV)