Read: James 5:7-11

After a farmer plants seeds in the ground, he has to be very patient. He needs to wait for the rain to come early in the season to wet the seeds so that they can germinate. He also needs to wait for rain later in the season so that the crops can grow and mature. The farmer needs to wait patiently, relying on the Lord to send the rain. He can’t do anything to make the rain come, so he must simply trust in the Lord. But that doesn’t mean that the farmer does nothing while he waits. He spends his time fertilizing the crops, and keeping out the weeds and other pests.

James tells his readers that they must wait patiently too, just like the farmer. Many of James’ readers were suffering in different ways. Maybe they were being persecuted, suffering from sicknesses or a lack of food and clothing.  James tells them to be patient in all these troubles, no matter what they are. They need to be patient, knowing that the Lord will return one day. They need to trust the Lord just like the farmer needs to trust the Lord while being patient.

They can be patient in their troubles because they know what the end will be. After all their suffering and pain, the end will be the return of the Lord and eternal life with God. Knowing this end, they can be patient as they live their lives, also during their suffering. This doesn’t mean their troubles will disappear, but they will be able to live through them, trusting in the Lord.

And so we too must be patient. You might have things happen in your life that cause you trouble and sadness. But when these things happen, continue to be patient, trusting in the Lord, knowing the end for you also is eternal life with God. While you are waiting patiently for the Lord, don’t do nothing. Rather, like the farmer, keep busy, filling your mind with God’s Word, praying and clinging to God. God’s love will help you throughout your life.

Reflection with your child:

What does it mean to be patient?

Source: Sermon by Rev. R. Bredenhof