Waiting for Good Things
As Christmas approaches, with just 17 days to go, many of us find ourselves in a season of anticipation. When I was a child, I remember the excitement as presents started appearing under the Christmas tree. One year, I made the mistake of feeling every gift before Christmas Day. By the time I opened them, there were no surprises left, and I felt disappointed. That experience taught me an important lesson: waiting for good things isn’t so bad.
This truth is echoed in the Bible. In James 5:7-12, the author encourages early Christians to wait for the second coming of Jesus. Decades after His first arrival, many had grown weary, doubting He would return. James reminds them that patience develops valuable character traits and that waiting for God to fulfil His promises is worth it.
In today’s world, it’s easy to lose patience. We’re surrounded by instant gratification and a culture that often dismisses faith. We may be tempted to compromise our beliefs or question if waiting on God is worthwhile. But James’ message is clear: waiting for God to move in our lives is not only worthwhile but also transformative.
James likens waiting for Jesus to a farmer waiting for crops to grow. The process is slow, and the outcome depends on many factors, including storms that can damage the harvest. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we face storms that challenge our patience and faith. Whether it’s personal struggles, financial difficulties, or challenges within our community, these storms can make us doubt that the harvest will come.
But James encourages us to hold on, reminding us that God is always at work, sowing and growing something valuable in our lives. As followers of Christ, we are called to be labourers in His vineyard, preparing for the ultimate harvest. This means actively sharing the good news, serving others, and standing firm in our faith despite difficulties.
James urges the Church to fortify itself, standing firm against discouragement and negativity. Grumbling, he warns, saps morale and undermines the community. Instead, we’re called to build each other up, encouraging one another and focusing on the positive.
Patience, standing firm, and fortifying our faith are essential in preparing for the Lord’s return. It’s a reminder that even in difficult times, waiting on God is not only necessary but also rewarding. Let’s embrace this season of waiting with hope and purpose, knowing that the harvest we’re preparing for will be worth every moment of patience and effort.
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