SCRIPTURE:
“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”
James 5:7-9
OBSERVATION:
Patience, according to the dictionary is “the ability to endure waiting or delay without becoming annoyed or upset, or to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties.” James reminds us of a virtue that can often be the catalyst to strife and challenge if we lack it; OR a soothing gift to bring resolution, peace, and hope. The scriptures give an example of the farmer’s patience in waiting for his crops to mature and yield fruit. He continues to toil to water, weed, and care for the crops, as he foresees and is expectant of the harvest and yield. Sometimes, it is during the toil, trial, and tribulation, that we focus on the immediate challenge rather than the promise of harvest and yield.
APPLICATION:
What comes to my mind is the gift of patience that is required when I am faced with both anticipated and unexpected challenges that are unforeseen and often out of my control and has the potential of conflict and strife or to be a train wreck. I think of how a team can train and practice as a team, but how in a tough game especially where the team is losing, how patience and positivity may or may not prevail. That is often the moment where one’s patience which enables better performance will yield the victory and win.
The key is in the definition of the word ‘patience’ and James 5:9 regarding the ability to not get annoyed, upset, judgmental, and let conflict set in. The Hawaiians have a saying “a’ole pilikia, malama pono.” It means, no problem, instead care with righteousness.
Tough times, trials, and tribulations will come – not if, but when, how often, and how much. These scriptures resonate with me to preempt losing my cool, “going Waimanalo,” or letting the enemy try and cause me to toss out my patience; but instead, intentionally let a cooler head prevail with patience, peace, and power in who I am in Christ.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of patience that I believe comes through the Holy Spirit within me as my comforter, defense, encourager, and guide. May I respond to tough times, trials, and tribulations with your peace, that enacts my patience with power to prevail. Thus, may it all be a witness of who you are in me.
