The Day I Stopped Waiting

2 Peter 3:9a The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.

Christmas has past. The waiting is over. I will no longer be circling parking lots waiting for a spot. There are no long lines at the register in which to wait to make a purchase. All the gifts that waited under the tree for weeks unopened have now been opened. Waiting has been replaced with precious memories of the laughter and love that marked the day of Jesus' birth. Christmas was certainly worth the wait.

This morning I am reading James 5. James concludes his letter by encouraging his readers to wait patiently for Jesus' return. "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's coming is near."

That first Christmas morning was long in coming. For centuries, the Israelites longed for the long-awaited Messiah to come. Even once Jesus' pending birth was announced to Mary, she had to wait nine months for His birth and thirty-three years for His death. Salvation was worth the wait. No sooner though had Christ died and been resurrected when a few short years later His followers were already growing weary of waiting for His return.

We all have things we are waiting for. Reconciliation of relationships. Resolution of difficulties. Answers to prayers. This morning I ponder the farmer. How is it he is able to wait with such great patience? In an instant I know. He doesn't wait; he anticipates. The productive farmers sits in confident expectation for the rain to come, his crop to grow and his field to yield its' harvest. Today I need to stop waiting on God and instead begin anticipating the wonder of watching Him work the fields of my life and bring His harvest.

Jesus, anticipation brings hope; waiting brings worry. Today I will sit in confident expectation knowing You are at work. You are working my fields. You will bring the harvest. And Your harvest will definitely be worth the wait.