Waiting Patiently

Isn't it hard to be patient? It's hard to wait, wondering if things are going to line up the way we want them to. And doesn't God seem to take His sweet time? "When, Lord? Is it getting close, Lord? Are you even workin' on this thing, Lord?" Well, James has a couple of tidbits that serve as good advice about patience and waiting.
James 5:7-11 (Phillips Version)

• The Waiting Farmer

1. God says that the farmer waits quietly. Oh my, now that's not an easy task. The first thing I want to do is tell somebody, talk about it, make an announcement. You mean I have to be quiet? Just keep it between God and me?
2. God says the farmer has to "possess his soul" until the rains come. You mean there's some soul stuff going on? God is working on spiritual things while I'm waiting on Him? So, this patience stuff is about my walk with Him? What's he doin' with my soul? He's building my faith. He's producing fruit in my life. He's using me as an example. He's making me into a winner. Wow!
3. God says that we must follow the example of the farmer and rest our hearts on an ultimate certainty. God will give us a harvest. God will do what He promises. God will not fail us. I can believe in these certainties with all my heart.

• No Complaining While We Wait

Boy, there's another tuffy: no complaing. Is that even possible. What if things don't happen when I want them to? What if God doesn't do it the way I thought He would or should? What if it's painful to wait? What if people pressure me? What if I start doubting? No complaining!

• Those who wait patiently are called "blessed."

You mean if I keep the right attitude, I will be blessed richly? Yep! Man, I'm waiting; that's for sure. Wait patiently and He'll answer your prayers. Wait patiently and He'll reveal His secrets. Wait patiently and He'll give you favor. Wait patiently and He'll lead you. Wait patiently and He'll empower you.

• Look At Job

1. His end was worth the wait. He was blessed with four times as much as he had before his trials. Get ready for multiplied blessing.
2. He endured. Hang in there. Don't give up and don't give in. Get tough. Make up your mind. Never quit, never stop.
3. He showed us God's mercy. God is merciful; He really is. It may seem like God is not there, but He is right near, watching and protecting and working. God is a good God. He does care, and He has not forgotten you.
4. He showed us that God understands what we are going through. God knew exactly what was going on with Job, and He knew exactly what was going to happen. All that was going on was a part of God's greater plan, one that would be recorded in God's book to teach all the world.

If you are in a time of patient waiting, and most of us are, keep Jame's advice: Do what the farmer does; Don't complain; Be blessed; Learn from Job. Wait patiently!