Wait

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.  James 5:7

Those of you who know me know that I am not a farmer, nor am I the son of one (I am the grandson of one!) I do, however, understand some of the basic principles of growing. I know that you do not get vegetables or crops by just putting seed in the ground. That’s only the first step–after planting, you need to water, weed and fertilize. Even those activities in themselves will not result in a harvest. There is another element–time. Every seed has a time frame for producing fruit–30 days, 45, 60, 90. There’s a lot of work to do, and then there’s a lot of waiting to do! James says, “See how the farmer waits…..” I guess that’s one reason I’d make a terrible farmer–I don’t like to wait!

Isn’t this like life? Don’t you often wonder when something good is going to happen? “How long do I have to wait?” It can be true of our relationships, our jobs, our finances, and even our spiritual lives. We sometimes wonder if God is going to do all He has said He would. Will He ever set things right? Peter said that there would come a day when people, living for their own sinful purposes, would mock those who trust God (II Peter 3:3). We are in those days! But Peter goes on to remind us that God’s timetable is radically different than ours (II Peter 3:8). Trust in the Lord. Be patient. In due time, your faith will be rewarded!

-Pastor Mike