“See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord is coming near” (James 5:7 and 8).
A farmer might wait patiently for rain, but he still works the ground. He spends his time protecting his fields from insects, birds and other mechanisms of harm. He cares for and tends to the crops that need his help. He bends his back and puts his hands to the work he’s been given. He faithfully labors.
Jesus is returning, and Revelation 1:7 says everyone – even those who hate him – will know when he does: “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.”
There’s no getting around the fact that Jesus is coming back and he’s going to restore things; however, this hope should only increase the amount of faithful labor I do here. The Word says that one day I will, along with everyone else, have to give an account of what I’ve done, both lovely and not, here on earth (Romans 14:12).
So, how should this play out in my life?
I’ve been given a field that consists of the places I go, the people I come in contact with, and the way I spend my gifts, money and time. Even though I am to be patient because I know that the hardships of labor and life on earth are only temporary and are, in light of eternity, rather short, I should not neglect the field. Even though I’m waiting for Jesus to return, there is still work to be done.
Life is bigger than who people think I should be, the places I want to go, or the mistakes I’ve made in the past. By God’s grace through the cross, and an awesome relationship with Him who cares for me, I’ve been entrusted with something great. There’s one God who created me for another place called Heaven, but He gave me work to do before I see that place. There’ more to life than what my eyes can see. I don’t know what my life here holds, but I pray that I’m faithful with what it does. I pray I “stand firm” because He’s a comin’!
I pray I leave with a sore back.
Lindsey Weatherl 