All on the Field: A Good Farmer—Having a Good Work Ethic - Tuesday


James 5:7b
See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. (NIV)


I’ll be honest… I don’t like rain.

I know I’ve already turned off a few of you storm-chasers, but I’m just not a big fan. Even as I’m writing, I’m bummed that the droplets outside my office window have already rearranged my plans for the day. For many of us, that’s the only side of rain we ever see: the outdoor concert is rescheduled, the baseball game is postponed. 

For most of us “city folk,” rain means waiting. I don’t like waiting.

But if you happen to be around a farmer when storm clouds roll in, they’ll probably give you a different perspective: “We need it.” And unlike anyone else in the world, a farmer understands how much we really do.

You see, if it doesn’t rain, a farmer’s crops won’t grow. If crops won’t grow, a farmer has nothing to sell. And if a farmer has nothing to sell, his or her business dies. The problem is, no matter how much anyone works, plows, or plants (and despite what some rap songs will tell you)—none of us can make it rain. Only God can.

Farmers spend much of their lives waiting for what only God can provide. Because of this, most farmers are patient. Most of the ones I’ve come across also have a deeply-rooted faith.    

James, the younger half-brother of Jesus, wasn't a farmer, but he did think like one. Most of the Jewish Christians he wrote to were poor, persecuted, scattered, and without hope—but James encourages them (and us) that God’s provision is always worth waiting for.

Maybe for you, it’s waiting for the right job opportunity to come along, or for a family member to finally seek help for addiction. For me, it was waiting on a godly relationship (that actually turned out pretty cool).

I’m not sure what it is in your life that has kept you patiently (or impatiently) waiting. What I can tell you is this: Whatever it is, our God is a God worth waiting for.

My prayer is that you will put all of your trust in Him today to fulfill your needs, and that you’ll celebrate the rain when it comes. 


Tuesday’s Reflection

What is something in your life that only God can provide? Ask God to give you not only patience, but strength in trusting Him to provide.


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All on the Field: A Good Farmer—Having a Good Work Ethic - Wednesday

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All on the Field: A Good Farmer—Having a Good Work Ethic - Monday