Be patient brothers & sisters…

James 5:7-8
Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (WEB)

Two blogs ago I wrote about our heavenly Father’s patient heart and how mankind is the recipient of His goodness. In today’s Scripture reading, I want to once again re-visit this topic of patience but in this blog, I want to talk about how patience finds it’s expression in our own unique journeys.

When James talks about our need for patience, he does so by using a farming illustration. Farming has got to be one of the most patient professions on the planet. So much of a farmer’s job is done in preparation and nurture of a harvest that cannot be visibly seen or measured.

A farmer plows up the soil, adds nutrients to strengthen it, then eventually plants the seed that he hopes will months later yield a bountiful crop. There are many obstacles along the way that can effect the final harvest. Persistent pests and bad weather are just two of a number of bumps in the road that a farmer knows can hinder the final outcome. Yet the farmer continues to be faithful to do all that he can do and then he waits.

In the same way, we are to patiently wait for the coming of our Lord. Whether we meet Him in death or at His second coming, we are all waiting to see Him. And in the same way as the farmer does everything he can do to prepare for his harvest, so we should do the same thing spiritually. Sow good seed wherever you can. Water the soil that you have sown and watch God give the increase!

2 Corinthians 9:10
Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; (WEB)