Hurry Up and Wait: Six Days of Joy in the MeantimeНамуна

Taking Cues from a Farmer...

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.
James 5:7

From our opening verse today, we learn a few more things we can do while in a season of waiting.

Number one, we can cultivate patience, a fruit of the Spirit. Oh, joy. Fun. Sounds great. Well, really, not so much.

What is the old prayer? Lord, help me be patient now!

Generally, no one likes to be in a place where patience is required. Yet, to grow in patience allows a much deeper work in our souls. In Romans 5:3-5, we discover that patience or perseverance leads to significant character development, propelling us forward in Jesus to greater hope, joy, and love—none of which will disappoint.

Jesus not only desires that we have an up-close and personal relationship with Him, but He also yearns for us to be transformed from our stuff, sin, and selfishness into His image. Perfecting patience in our lives is a work and fruit of the Holy Spirit, providing grace in our wait that we wouldn’t have in our own strength.

Next, as we consider a farmer waiting for precious fruit to appear, consider how much preparation they have done beforehand. This goes a bit beyond just doing the next right thing. Instead, these are steps of needed preparation and productivity we should take depending on what we are waiting for.

Yes, this is where we may be tempted to take matters into our own hands. However, it is also where we learn the secret of Qavah (Day 1). Drawing close to Jesus in our quiet times to expectantly hear Him, thereby honing our ability to discern His voice above all others, including our own.

Finally, a farmer will protect the seedlings he is patiently waiting for. Does our wait require some spiritual warfare prayer? Do we need to take up the authority of Lord Jesus’ name and His Word upon our lips to guard not only ourselves but also the desired thing or person we are waiting on God about? This reassurance of His protection will provide us with security while we wait.

Let’s bring what we’ve just considered to the throne room for His direction and purpose. He will not fail to speak—we simply need to expectantly listen, hear, and receive His words to us.

Let’s pray about this...

Dear Lord Jesus, I desire to know You intimately and be transformed into Your image. Sometimes, I feel so frustrated and impatient while waiting, but I exchange those thoughts and emotions for Yours. As I quiet my heart and mind, I wait to hear Your voice if there are any steps I need to take to prepare or protect what I am waiting on ______ (take time to do this). In Your All-Powerful Name, Lord Jesus. Amen!