Patience!

Patience!

James 5:7-8 NIV

[7] Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

James, the writer of this letter, was speaking to people addressed as 'the twelve tribes scattered among the nations'. Trials had brought the Jews into places they were not familiar with, and the going was tough. Just at the very start of this letter, James was really encouraging his audience to count it all joy when they faced trails of any kind, as God was working out His project of perseverance in them, so that they could become mature and complete, not lacking in anything. Just for a moment, reflect on what it would take for God to prepare a man, through trials and tough times, for a lifetime of maturity and impact. If I were to ask God to teach me how to be patient, is it a pill or tablet He will give me, or would He bring situations my way that will teach me patience? If I were to ask God for a personal experience of Him, would He not give me one that will stay with me forever.

That is the message in the extract above. The fruit of the Spirit has patience as one of the many manifestations, and this tells me that this attribute can only be possessed, as well as exhibited, by people who are under the control and influence of the One who gives it. How do you expect an unregenerated man to produce that which only the regenerating Spirit of God can birth and sustain in a man's life? That is why the extract above refers to brothers and sisters, members of the family of God, washed by His blood, and on the path to eternal life. As we journey, we will surely meet with challenges that will sometines challenge our understanding of who God is, and what He can do, but these strengthen our faith in God, and help us endure tough times. As I keep an eye on the future, I ask God for mercy to cover the past, and His abundant grace and strength for the present. 

An example of how this works is given in the extract above. A farmer would have taken time to plough the ground and prepare it to receive life-changing seed. He would then invest time and resources to ensure that the seed has the right environment to grow and mature into fruit. There will be a lot of weeding out and watering, as well as protection from pests and adverse weather conditions. The farmer does all these in hope of a bountiful harvest, also praying for the rains to come. There are contributions the farmer has control over, and there are others He has to trust God for. That is what patience does: you play your part by surrendering to the authority and Lordship of Jesus, and He sorts out the impact and fruit your life must have, in order to draw others to the saving knowledge of Jesus. He will play His part; would I walk with Him to bring His purpose to pass? God's time of favour is here.