Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. (James‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Waiting patiently for the Lord to arrive and act is not easy when you feel helpless and that nothing is within your control. As a man, I am wired to be a fixer as soon as I identify a problem. But sometimes my solutions make things worse because I did not take time to think things through, let alone pray to ask God what he thinks.

For Christians, patience requires setting aside the urge to take matters into their own hands and instead walk in the will of God. The example of a farmer waiting for a harvest is a perfect description of what it’s like to wait on the Lord. As people, we are seeds that need to be buried into the fertile soil of God’s grace. He pours water over us and provides nourishment, enabling us to grow and produce spiritual fruit: love, patience, kindness, self-control, etc. Our old selves die and we are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus.

Do not be surprised when the weeds of life (i.e. sin, illness, conflict) attempt to choke out your faith. Most of the time these trials are meant to refine and strengthen you; they all point you back to God. There are occasions when he reveals something that needs a little work within you.

So do not despair or lose hope. Ne patient with yourself and the world around you. Know that whatever hardship you are going through is temporary. You don’t have to always understand God’s process. Just keep your eyes on Jesus through every season of waiting. Deliverance, healing, and restoration will eventually come your way.