Devotional: Ever-Growing
Read James 5:7-11
7 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. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 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.
For Reflection
I have a deep (somewhat irrational) love for houseplants. Some people like to buy tools or home decor, but I can never pass up a plant. We currently have over 20 houseplants and I have no desire to stop collecting! But a few months ago I picked up a plant that seemed doomed from day one. It was lush when I brought it home, but within a couple of days the leaves started to turn yellow—a classic sign of overwatering. So I let it dry out. Then the leaves turned brown (an under-watering issue). The plant seesawed back and forth until I thought it was going to die. And then, on a particularly cool fall day, I finally figured out the problem. I had hung the plant in a window that I kept open in all weather and it didn’t like the draft. A new location has completely fixed the issue and the plant is once again flourishing.
When we started the farm we knew there would be many hiccups along the way. But the setbacks we’ve experienced have at times been shocking. It’s been a constant back-andforth as we learn and grow, make mistakes and try again. It’s been not just a lesson in agriculture, but in the often grueling nature of the Christian life. Jesus never promised us a rose garden—or a healthy houseplant or a profitable palm oil crop. But he did promise to never leave our side, no matter what we face.
The Bible passage for today exhorts us to “be patient” and “establish [y]our hearts.” Patience is a lesson that we have been slowly learning from day one of this unexpected ministry. When we have wanted to forge ahead, God has said, “be still.” When we have wanted to drag our feet, the Lord has given us a hearty push. Like a gardener working the soil, God has worked in us and through us according to his purposes. It hasn't always been easy, but we are blessed to know firsthand the depth of his compassion and mercy toward us. As individuals and as a ministry, we are ever-growing.
For Discussion
Patience is a virtue that is often misunderstood. What do you think it means to be patient and wait on the Lord? Talk about a time that God taught you patience.
Often growth comes after hardship. Why do you think this is? What do you think God is trying to teach us through our trials and heartbreaks?