A Farmer's Patience

This week’s devotional is written by Leslie Eichhorn, a team member at Nancy Hicks Live.

“You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time” James 5:7, The Message

 Only two more days and it will officially be spring (insert praise hands emoji here). Not that I’m counting.

 This winter has shown me the meaning of weary: “feeling or showing tiredness, especially as a result of excessive exertion or lack of sleep.” This weariness looks different for everyone.

 For me, my weariness comes from the monotony of the past year. My lack of sleep is mostly my own fault – I just don’t want to go to sleep and re-live the same Groundhog Day-like existence.

 It’s also partly my kids waking me up at the crack of dawn with whatever antics just can’t wait until the sun is up (like jumping contests off their beds or seeing who can scream the loudest).

 James, the brother of Jesus, uses the analogy of a farmer who waits for the rain to water his crops to explain endurance. To endure means “to suffer patiently.” Imagine how a farmer must wait, reminding himself of the value of his crops as he watches the sky for signs of life-giving rains. He and his crops must endure until those spring rains arrive, waiting for those plants to grow so he can harvest his reward.

 In verses 10 and 11, James reminds his readers about wise men (called prophets) who came before them: “They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift to those who stay the course!” Just like the farmer, these men endured, but their reward wasn’t rain. It was Jesus Himself.

 He ends by reminding us that God cares, right down to the last detail. Down to the last seed in a farmer’s field. Down to the size of each tiny raindrop that waters it. Down to the weariness endured by each precious soul.

 Be patient, stay steady and strong. Spring is almost here.