Hurry Up And Wait!

I planted my raised garden this year, just like the last few.

Generally, the garden is exploding with tomatoes first but this year, nothing! I have had enough cucumbers, peppers, yellow squash and zucchini to last me until next summer, but not one red tomato. I could’ve made fried green tomatoes, but I’m not especially a fan.

Although my patience was running out, I kept watering, fertilizing and talking to those tomato plants. Over the last week, I’ve had tomatoes with cottage cheese, in salads, and they are currently lining my window sill so we can have tomatoes on burgers and homemade tomato sauce later this week.

Why was I so impatient? God’s timing is perfect!

While patience is something I’ve had to work on my entire life, I’d like to think I’ve made progress as I’ve gotten older. Recently, with all of the things happening in our world, I find myself patiently longing for Jesus’ return to bring order to an out of control world! In James 5:7-11, we read:

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. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

- James 5:7-11

What are the first two words? BE PATIENT! According to Dictionary.com the definition of patience is:

“​​the quality of being calm, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.”

In other words, no matter what happens, patience requires keeping our emotions in check and taking a lot of deep breaths. Another practice I started a few years back was asking myself, “What is the worst thing that can happen?”

Notice how in the passage I read earlier, James compares waiting for the Lord's return to a farmer, patiently waiting for his crops to yield a harvest! And while we’re waiting, he says to do it without grumbling or complaining.

I've been studying Job the last six months. Wow! Talk about a long depressing book. Today, I finished chapter 39 when God speaks to Job and I’m beginning to see there is hope for Job. As I’ve been reading my daily chapters, I’ve been reminded that Job didn’t grumble or complain against God. James says in chapter 5 that Job  persevered and God’s compassion and mercy was fully realized!

Friends, we’re coming to the time of year when a lot of patience will be required! From lines at schools registering our children, to sports practices and homework. The lazy, hazy days of summer are coming to an end! And right after the kids are back in school, all of the holiday activities will begin. Will you join me this year? Take a deep breath, slow down and relax!

No matter what this year may bring, as we persevere through trials and daily challenges of life, Jesus will draw near as you hurry up and wait!

Pastor Pam