We’re all anxiously awaiting something. Something new, something better, something beautiful. Perhaps you’re waiting for physical or emotional healing, freedom and recovery from addiction, a relationship to be restored, a new job, the blessing of a spouse or child, a family member to turn to Jesus.

These desires are in addition to what you have already been waiting for before the global pandemic began. After more than a year of illness, isolation, unrest, injustice, and division, there is a deep longing for something more. More healing, connection, peace, righteousness, and love. Whatever you’re waiting for, it can be tempting to lose hope and wallow in despair. Why Lord? Why the pain, darkness, and struggle? Where is the light? What will the future hold? Is there any hope? 

The word of the Lord records many stories of people waiting for His promises to be fulfilled, with instruction and encouragement as they wait. Let’s examine James 5:7-8 as James, Jesus’ brother, instructs believes how to wait:

James 5:7-8  Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 

The farmer analogy has a lot to teach us about what it looks like to wait. The biblical definition of waiting is “to stay, serve, or attend to; to patiently anticipate.” Waiting is not easy and requires both faith and action.

Faith: The farmer trusts the Lord to bring the rain, raise the sun, protect the land, grow the crop. These aspects are out of the farmer’s control.

Action: The farmer doesn’t just plant his seeds, sit around and hope for the best. No, he wakes up early to plow the land, plant seeds, fertilize, water, check for growth, weed/prune, and water again. The farmer works diligently while he waits, daily tending to the land.

While the farmer waits, he eagerly anticipates what’s to come. After a period of working and waiting, the farmer gets to enjoy the fruits of his labor. A ripe harvest! Like the farmer, we’re all waiting for the harvest. For God to turn our trials into triumphs and ultimately call us home. While we wait, we can follow the farmer’s example of faith and action:

Faith: Trust the God who is in control and holds the future in His hands. We can rest in His promises and anticipate His goodness. 

Lamentations 3:22-25 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

Action: There is much work to be done; work that He has entrusted to us, the farmer. Our Father has gifted us each with a unique job and skill set to complete the work He has called us to (1 Cor. 12). Whether you plant the seeds, water, or harvest  (1 Cor. 3:6-9), let’s cultivate our work knowing that by faith God will bring to fruition a harvest of abundance!

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.

So, for what are you waiting on the Lord? What work is God calling you to do while you wait? What seeds are you planting and cultivating? Share it below! 

Here are a few ideas:

• Seek God & wise counsel

• Submit to His plan & purpose

• Share hope

• Speak truth

• Spread joy

• Set an example of Christlikeness

• Shine His light

• Share encouragement

• Show kindness

• Serve others

• Simplify, focusing on what’s most important 

Even in seasons of darkness and drought, we can take heart because we know the Creator. He still has a specific purpose for you to fulfill on this earth. Have faith and take action – hope is on the horizon!

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Psalm 130:5&7 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope… For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.

 Listen to “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller. Click here. 

ABOUT OUR BLOGGER 

Danielle Kuhn is a Delaware native who enjoys all the small-town aspects of living in the heart of Kennett Square with her husband Brian. Meaningful conversations and exploring the beauty of nature by foot fill her soul. She is passionate about connecting and encouraging other women in their faith. One of her simplest joys in life is sipping a warm cup of tea, that has undoubtedly been reheated at least once in the microwave!