“Therefore
be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the
precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early
and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of
the Lord is near.” (vv. 7-8)
Farming takes patience and perseverance. Farmers have to wait
for many things beyond their control. They wait long days for the winter to
thaw to begin planting. They wait for the weather to shift and bring rain to
offset droughts, and the sun to push away clouds. They wait for calves to be
born and chickens to lay eggs. They wait on plants to grow and for the harvest
to come. Meanwhile they persevere at the task, tilling the soil, feeding the
animals, putting seed in the ground.
It is no wonder that James compares our lives as believers to
farmers. Certainly his readers knew what it took to cultivate the land with
hard work, patience, and perseverance. Those same qualities are integral to our
lives as believers waiting for the Lord’s return.
Therefore, persevere, plant the seeds of faith and know that your patience will bring forth good fruit in His timing - For your life and your future
are in His ultimate control.
The Truth
“Let
patience have its perfect work,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:4)
