Day 210/260: Read James 5

How difficult we find the practice of patience in the twenty-first century! We carry cell phones so we can always be reached, any time of day. We use high-speed internet so we can access information within seconds. We use the drive-thru at fast-food restaurants so we can get lunch in a matter of minutes, and many times eat while we drive so we don’t waste time once we reach our destination!

These examples are all about instant gratification, with very little waiting involved. But there is value in patience. There are some things that are worth waiting for, seeing through, sticking with.

James reminds his readers, “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

Are you ready for the Lord’s return? Hopefully we are, and we are faithfully looking for that day. But maybe we will appreciate it even more as we patiently endure the hardships of this life. Remember what James wrote in the first chapter of his epistle? “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3).

Be faithful. Be patient. Be ready.

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

James 1:22. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Pray

Pray for strength and patience as you faithfully serve the Lord in this life, looking forward to His return.