Therefore, brothers and sisters, you must be patient as you wait for the coming of the Lord. Consider the farmer who waits patiently for the coming of rain in the fall and spring, looking forward to the precious fruit of the earth. You also must wait patiently, strengthening your resolve, because the coming of the Lord is near. Don’t complain about each other, brothers and sisters, so that you won’t be judged. Look! The judge is standing at the door!
Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord as an example of patient resolve and steadfastness. Look at how we honor those who have practiced endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job. And you have seen what the Lord has accomplished, for the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Reflection
Farming is a tough business. It’s not just about the early mornings, or the hard work. Farming is tough because there’s so much that’s beyond your control – droughts, storms, prices, blight, pests – you name it.
I could never do it. I’m too much of a control freak. Every day the crop was in the ground I’d be a basket case. Will it come up? What if there’s no rain? Now that it’s raining, is it too much? What are these bugs on my plants? I guess I just don’t have the faith to farm!
Doesn’t this sound like many of the conversations we have in our heads all the time? Worry and fear seem to dominate – all day, every day.
But when we trust in Christ, those voices gradually get quiet. When we have that experience of God’s protection and provision, worry and fear fall away and are replaced by patience, endurance, steadfastness, and trust. We’re better able to hold on until the harvest!
For Pondering & Prayer
What are you worried about today? Have you ever had an experience before where God has gotten you through similar circumstances?
How can you help ease someone else’s worries today? What words can you speak, or actions can you take, to help settle their minds and calm their hearts – or will it be more helpful just to listen?