Do Not Despair

Transcript

Admiral Richard Byrd’s Antarctic polar expedition of 1939 and ‘40 had reached Sulzberger Bay—farther than any previous South Pole venture—when its small wooden ship, the U.S.S. Bear, became ice-locked. Nothing could break her free.

Pacing the bridge around the tiny pilothouse, Admiral Byrd looked in every direction. Finally, he said to his lieutenant: "Patience—that’s what you need in the Antarctic. Wait—give wind and tide a chance to change. It will loosen the ice and allow us to go on."

This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. Nature is a great teacher. Admiral Byrd knew well that having done all, sometimes one can only wait. Winter will run its course, the ice will break or melt, patience will win out—in the high calling of our daily work.

For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. Job is an example of a man who endured patiently. From his experience we see how the Lord's plan finally ended in good, for he is full of tenderness and mercy.

(James 5:10-11, NLT)