“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.” James 5:7-8
In today’s society everything seems to be done as fast as possible. No matter how fast something is, people want it a little bit faster. Computers used to take 10 minutes to boot up, now they only take about one minute, yet it is still not fast enough for some people. Everyone complains about waiting in line at Walmart or at McDonalds because they are in a hurry. Everyone wants everything right now, not later.
James uses the excellent example of a farmer. Most people have never been a farmer, but many have tried to grow a garden. You plant the seeds and then have to wait for a week just to maybe see a little sprout. Then you must wait a few more weeks to start to see some vegetable growth. Then you must wait some more for the vegetable to be fully grown to pick. This takes patience.
If you go to that garden and start digging around to find the plant you will lose everything. If you pick the vegetable before it is ripe you, again, lose everything. Life is just like that also. Jesus said that some day He would return. He did not say when, but that it would be soon.
It is easy to start complaining to God or others about the condition of the world; or about the persecution increasing; or about the troubles occurring in your life, but James tells us not to complain and be patient. You need to look to God and remember His Word that Jesus would return for you soon. Be patient and trust God in His timing. This is not only in the return of Jesus, but also in His care for you day-to-day. Be patient, waiting for God in every area of your life. It will save a lot of worrying. Be patient with people–remember they are made in the image of God and God is being patient with you.
I pray that today God will help you to be patient; that God will give you the strength to be patient; that God will give you the peace to be patient; and that you will trust God in all of His timing in your life.
Leave a Reply