In a World of Instant Messages... - Advent Devotional Day 17

Scripture
"7 Be patient, therefore, brothers [and sisters], 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. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord." James 5:7-10

Reflection
Notice how in this passage, “patience” is mentioned 4 times and makes reference to three scenarios of patience to encourage us.

In an agricultural society, you live dependent on God’s provision. We have no control over the weather. We need to have a faith that involves trusting God with what you cannot control. And whilst we are waiting, we still need to be mindful of what we can control.

Remember that a farmer will continue to take care of their land throughout the waiting period. Meaning, we must honor God with what we can control. We can also look at this as being patient like a prophet. In the midst of hardship, prophets continued to speak about the goodness, the greatness, and the mercy of God even in times of suffering or injustice.

What about that one guy in the Old Testament named Job. Heard of him? He went through 42 chapters of suffering. Whatever you are navigating through is not the end of the story.

Now that we are in Advent, how can we practice patience as we wait for Jesus to be born?
In a digital age where we expect everything now, how can we practice patience and let God be God and do His God thing instead of playing our own god because we know best?

And why is it that we have such a hard time being patient, or waiting?

Today, take a look at what you’ve been waiting on. It could be a career milestone, relationship milestone, family milestone, or something else that you don’t have control over but have been trying to (or are about ready to) take matters into your own hands. Whatever that is, practice the 5 Why’s. The 5 why’s is the practice of asking why repeatedly whenever a problem is encountered in order to get beyond the obvious symptoms to discover the root cause. This will help you analyze why it’s been hard to be patient. Then talk it out to a friend, family member, wise counsel, or God.

Prayer
Good good Father, today I pray for patience. For wisdom in the waiting. And for your comfort. Help me to navigate through this story. Remind me that this is not the end of the story but instead a beautiful and revealing time in my life. Remind me that I need you and that I have you going before me and behind me through it all. I can’t see it yet, but I will, if I am patient. Amen.