Scripture

“Be patient, therefore, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord.  The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.” James 5:7

Reflections

We live in an increasingly impatient society.  People want to experience fulfillment without any sort of delay or wait. Companies are offering same-day delivery services.  TV shows and movies are available “on demand”.  Credit cards give us the ability to buy things without waiting.

But then there are times when we do not always get what we want immediately.  We’re on the phone with customer service.  We hear the words, “Your call is very important to us.  Please wait.”  Our blood pressure skyrockets.  We experience health challenges that seem like they will never end.  We hope to find a good spouse, but it seems like it is taking forever.

We do well to remember that we are in a chapter.  Chapters come and chapters go.  Some chapters are longer than others.  We do not always know how long a chapter might last.  The writer of James exhorts us to be patient.  We are in a chapter of time between Jesus’ life on earth and his coming again.  God’s kingdom has yet to come in its fullness.

God’s timeframe is not one of instant gratification.  Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  Do not get discouraged.  Hang in there!  That better day will come!

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for your promises.  As a farmer waits for a crop, grant me patience in suffering and strengthen my heart until you come again.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: James 5:7-10