The Farmer’s Patience

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because “the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”

James 5:7-11

---

Embracing Adversity

Like the seasonal rains and harvest, the coming of the Lord is certain but cannot be rushed. Periodic drought and storms prepare seeds for transformation into blossoming fruit. By embracing the farmer’s patience, we grow in gratitude day by day toward the giver of all good gifts. Nothing is wasted, for adversity breaks open the seeds of grace. Perseverance itself is the fruit of grace. 

Rain or shine, can we, like Job, bless the Lord? 

“Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb,
and naked shall I go back there.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
blessed be the name of the Lord!”

Job 1:21

Grant us, O Lord, the objectivity to see with your eyes and hear with your ears. Thank you for every opportunity to grow in patience and perseverance. Help us to bear every trial you have permitted for our sanctification. Amen.