December 14, 2025

Scripture

James 5:7-11 ~ 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. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Reflection

The core message here I think is that believers should be patient and not give up hope in the face of hardship and suffering. This patience is rooted in the assurance that the Lord is coming again to make everything right.

The analogy here is the farmer waiting for the early and late rains, recognizing that God is in control of the timing through good and bad times. Good things don’t happen all at once.

Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. One of the hardest fruits for me to exhibit. In our society, it is difficult for all of us to exhibit patience. We live in a culture of instant gratification in everything: coffee, fast food restaurants, bank tellers and even a national monument called Mount Rushmore.

We are to allow God to complete His work in our lives through trials. When we have abundance we need not to lose sight of our need to depend on God. But then if we lose it all, when our world falls apart, we need patience, knowing God is in control. These times are only temporary. During times of trials we need to remember “This too shall pass.”

We may not understand the storm, but patience allows us to persevere and grow in our faith. Think of Job. I read some-where that “Complaining is like yeast: start complaining it grows to more complaints. No habitual complainer grows in his or her faith.” So true. I’ve found that grumbling so easily becomes a way of life and crushes our spirit.

Prayer

LORD, at one time or another we all get overwhelmed because we don’t know how everything will turn out. It is good to step back and know that you have a plan. Patience is a way to show faith in your timing and plans, for they are always perfect. May we all look to you and grow in this fruitful gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Joanie Tanski