Endure // James 5:7-8

James 5:7-8 (NIV) | Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Today’s verse gives us a neat little carry-over from yesterday about how only God brings the growth. In today’s text we see the metaphor about how the farmer has a job to do in terms of planting then cultivating crops, but all that can be done afterwards is wait. This then jumps to how we all should be patient and stand firm waiting on Jesus’ return. The seeds of faith we plant are about looking to the final harvest when Jesus will come and take us all to heaven. Yes, it can be hard waiting, but there is always hope for what is to come, regardless of what you must endure– whether it’s floods or droughts, blazing heat or freezing cold. Be patient and stand firm, remembering the promise that James gave earlier in his letter: “Those who stand firm during testing are blessed. They are tried and true. They will receive the life God has promised to those who love him as their reward” (James 1:12, CEB).