“Jesus answered them, “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. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
James 5:7-8
God’s encouragement…
When I was young, I tracked summer like sunflowers track the sun. Drawn to the warm days exploring the fields and lakes a short bike ride away and playing sunset games of spotlight tag with neighborhood friends, summer was glorious. Its freedom delighted me. During the long school year, I practiced patience while waiting for the promise of the next summer.
Followers of Jesus have the promise that the coming of the Lord is at hand. Our souls hold on to the memory of this joy. As we wait patiently, God provides us with foretastes of the joy to come. To establish our hearts, He sends the early rains of worshiping with our brothers and sisters, partaking in the Lord’s supper together. God’s late rains are received when we read and meditate on His word, lifting prayers of praise and thanksgiving. His indwelling Holy Spirit sustains us until the fullness of God’s perfect timing is reached.
Heavenly Father, reset our hearts to our Lord’s coming every day. Grant that we grow and bear fruit, so that joy of the harvest to come is carried within every heart.
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Image: original color pencil and watercolor collage by Robin Lybeck: Tracking His Promise
