James 5:7-8
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.
Waiting sounds easy until you have to do it! As we all know, waiting can be incredibly difficult and demanding, especially if you don’t know how long you are going to have to wait for. Waiting for medical test results, or for a member of the family to make contact or for someone to repay a debt – any of these can sap your energy and leave you feeling exhausted, disappointed and confused.
The challenge we have to face is that Christians are called to be a waiting people. We are all waiting for the Lord’s return, and no one can be sure when it is going to happen. The one fact which is definite is that He will return, because that is what He promised to do.
Israel is a very hot country, but it also enjoys a considerable rainfall. There are two distinctive times of rain: the early rain which starts in October and the latter rain which falls in May. The farmers there can wait for the rain with confidence, and in the same way we are able to live our lives with the certainty that history is in God’s hands and that, one day, Jesus will definitely return, just as He promised.
Question
Are you ready for Jesus to return today and, if He doesn’t, are you willing to wait with patience?
Prayer
Thank You Lord that history is in Your hands. Help me to be ready for Jesus’ return, whenever it happens. Amen

Released on 3 Oct 2026