Preparation Follows Expectation

In reading James 5:7-8 this morning James says,  “Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. See how farmers wait for their precious crops to grow. They wait patiently for fall and spring rains. You, too, must be patient. Don’t give up hope. The Lord will soon be here.” (GW)

The farmer waits patiently for his crops to grow; he cannot hurry the process. But he does not take the summer off and hopes that all goes well in the fields. There is much to do to ensure a good harvest. Likewise, I too must wait patiently for Christ's return. While I wait, there is much work that I can do to advance God's Kingdom. 

God is always working behind the scenes, even through this global pandemic as well as any other problems or difficulties I’m facing right now. Continue to trust him, and to be patient.

So how should I do this, what shall I do and how do I build a faith that trusts God during the delays?

James says, “Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. See how farmers wait for their precious crops to grow. They wait patiently for fall and spring rains. You, too, must be patient. Don’t give up hope. The Lord will soon be here” (James 5:7-8 GW).

Like a farmer, I need to wait expectantly. While a farmer waits, he prepares for the harvest. He gets ready. He doesn’t sit around thinking, “I wonder if this is going to grow or not.” He expects it to grow. He prepares for the harvest so that when it comes, he can reap the benefits.

I too need to wait expectantly as I trust God to act and provide. Psalm 130:5 says, “I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for he has promised” (TLB). That promise is all over the Bible, in verses like Isaiah 49:23: “No one who waits for my help will be disappointed” (GNT).

Whatever I’ve been waiting on God to do, do I really expect him to do it? If I’m not preparing myself while I’m waiting, I’m not really expecting anything to happen.

A lot of times the tendency is to wait on God, however God’s just waiting on me. He may be saying, “you're not ready to handle the blessing I want to give you. I want you to grow up first. So, I am not waiting on Him. He’s waiting on me.”

If I’m tired and worn out, remember to wait on God. I need to get still, get with God’s Word, and learn how to be more like him. Then, I should get busy doing the work that will prepare me for the harvest.

In summary, be patient until the Lord returns. Farmers wait patiently for fall and spring rains. I, too, must have the same patience. I should not give up hope. A farmer cannot hurry the process. But while he waits, he is not idle, as there is much to do to ensure a good harvest. I too must wait patiently. And while I wait, there is much work that I can do to advance God's Kingdom. God is always working behind the scenes. Continue to trust him, and to be patient. So how do I do this? Like a farmer, learn to wait expectantly. A farmer expects it to grow. He prepares for the harvest so that when it comes, he can reap the benefits. I too need to wait expectantly as I trust God to act and provide. Whatever I’ve been waiting on God to do, do I really expect him to do it? If I’m not preparing myself while I’m waiting, I’m not really expecting anything to happen. A lot of times the tendency is to wait on God, however God’s just waiting on me. He may be saying, “you're not ready to handle the blessing I want to give you. I want you to grow up first. He’s waiting on me.” Get into God’s Word, and learn how to be more like him. Then, get busy doing the work that will prepare me for the harvest.

Today’s devotion brings up an interesting point. Am I really expecting and preparing for him to answer. Am I ready to handle the blessing he may want to give to me. Do I need to grow, change an attitude or think differently. Is there a struggle I need to overcome his way instead of mine?

Father, I pray this morning that with the help of the Holy Spirit that I discover if there are things and areas I need to grow up / mature in. As these are revealed, help me to put together plans to address them. I also pray for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. These things I ask through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.