Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

We’ve made it to the end of the Book of James! For such a short letter, there is so much packed into this writing that can help guide and shape our day-to-day faith. Let’s recap what we’ve seen so far. 

Faith that works seeks wisdom in trials (1:1–18). 

Faith that works shows mercy instead of partiality (2:1–13). 

Faith that works proves itself in action (2:14–26). 

Faith that works speaks life with words shaped by wisdom (3:1–18). 

Faith that works draws near to God in humility and grace (4:1–17). 

Faith works. That is the picture James is continually painting for us. The kind of faith God invites us into isn’t one we simply claim. Faith is a life we live. Faith is active, effective, and resilient—not because of my strength, but because of God’s presence and promises. It works.  

Now, in the final section, James leaves us with the reminder that faith that works waits with patience, endures with hope, and prays with confidence (5:1–20). 

Here’s the hard truth we all know: waiting is one of the most difficult tests of faith. James uses the image of a farmer waiting for rain. The picture is meant to remind us that much of life is simply out of our control. We can plow, plant, and prepare, but we can never make rain fall—no matter what kind of dance we do. We must wait for God to send what only He can give.  

That’s where I often struggle the most. I think about times I’ve prayed for healing, for clarity, for a breakthrough, and the answers didn’t come quickly. I want to see progress, answers, movement. Waiting feels like doing nothing. My first instinct is frustration: God, are You even listening? But James reminds me that waiting is not wasted. Waiting is where faith deepens. Waiting is where endurance is forged. Waiting is where my hope shifts from my timing to God’s promises. 

But still, we can’t help but ask the question, “But what am I supposed to DO?” How is faith supposed to work in waiting? James points us to the practice of prayer.  

Elijah was a powerful prophet in the Old Testament, and yet James reminds us that he was a man just like us. Not perfect, but pursuing the Lord. As Elijah prayed, the rain was held back and then brought again. The power wasn’t in Elijah; it was in the God who heard. Faith that works doesn’t grit its teeth in waiting; it prays with confidence, knowing God is faithful. 

Prayer is the posture of patience. It’s not passive; it’s active trust. Even when nothing seems to change, prayer anchors me in the presence of the One who never changes. 

Be patient, be steadfast, keep praying. That’s not resignation—it’s resilience. Faith that works doesn’t just endure the wait; it leans into it, trusting that the Lord is compassionate and merciful (5:11). In the waiting, God is working. 

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

James Weekly Verse Challenge

Want to go beyond just reading God's Word? Want to take action? As we study the Book of James in the "Faith That Works" message series, we encourage you to do more than read the theme verse. Each week, we challenge you to memorize the verse and put it into action. Beginning Monday, October 6, we will text the weekly verse on a downloadable wallpaper on Monday mornings. Download the mobile wallpaper to your phone and memorize the weekly verse as you strive to live it daily. 

Text "JAMES" to 601-299-4493 to receive each week's theme verse.