Be Patient, Your Harvest Is Growing | Daily Devotional 1627

You're listening to the My Morning Devotional Podcast, episode 1627. Today's devo is called Be Patient, Your Harvest is Growing.

Hey there, we're the Alessis, a ministry family working together in our church in Miami, Florida. And if you're like us, when days get busy, the to-do lists get longer, it can be hard to find devotional time. That's why every weekday we share a five-minute daily dose of heaven. This is the My Morning Devotional Podcast.

I love this story in James. Probably one of my favorite passages in the whole Bible. Yes, the whole Bible. I love this one. James 5, 7 through 11, because it talks about how do we handle when we're going through a difficult time. How do we handle waiting? And I know you're not going to love this in the morning, especially if you're sitting in traffic. But this verse tells us in James 5, 7 through 11 to be patient. Uh, patience. I know we don't like that word. I hate that word. My husband will be the first to tell you, I do not operate in patience enough. I need to learn how to have more patience. But that's why I make sure I read the Bible every morning as a reminder. So let's read this one together. 5, 7 through 11 in the book of James, it says, 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. Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. Ouch. The judge is standing at the door. Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 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. Well, first let me just tell you who I am. I'm a pastor of a church. My name is Mary Alessie, and I am the mother to the three wonderful girls that you hear, Lauren, Gabby, and Stephanie, and the mother-in-law to Rochelle. And it is an honor to be their mother in this incredible endeavor we call life. And they will tell you first and foremost that this is a message that I preach all the time, this one in James, about the importance of knowing how God works, why patience is so important. Because, as James tells us, we have to look at life like farmers. So James gives us this picture of a farmer. And maybe you've prayed this prayer, maybe you're praying it right now. How much longer, Lord? When will my harvest come in? Well, James has a word for us today: be patient, because your harvest is growing. What you can't see is under the earth. And maybe you don't feel like you see much above the earth, above the dirt. But what we know, this word tells us, is to be patient because there is something happening beneath the surface that you cannot see. Now, James also mentions the summer rains and then the autumn rains. He's really talking about the early and the latter rain that's coming. Did you know that there is a difference between the early rain and the latter rain, the summer and the August? It says that the early rain softens the soil, it has its own purpose so that the seed could be planted and just start to grow. Then the latter rain comes near the end of the season and it helps the crop mature, but both are necessary. So here's what that means for you: that the delay you might be seeing right now does not mean God said no. He just said, wait, something is growing, something's being developed in you. Roots happen before fruit is revealed. The promise might be alive even when you can't see the evidence above the ground. And James tells us this establish your hearts. What does that mean? Strengthen yourself on the inside, root yourself, stay focused, stay rooted, stay anchored. Patience isn't passive. It takes work. It's an action word. It's a verb. Is that right? If that's wrong, you'll correct me in the comments, I'm sure. But biblical patience is steady faith. It's staying steadfast. You keep obeying, you keep believing. You know that not only is there an early rain, but there's a latter rain coming. And it keep just keep doing what is right until it waits, until it comes. Because while you're waiting, God is working. And James also warns us not to grumble or complain. You know why I think that's important? Because that's a waste of time. There's no reason to grumble and complain against one another. Stay faithful, stay focused, stay anticipating that you are growing a root system that will yield a harvest for years and years to come. So how do you apply that today in your life? Well, what are you waiting on right now? What are you waiting for God to do and to release into your life? Maybe it's healing, maybe it's a stored, restored relationship, maybe it's a husband or a wife or a child or a or a home. What is it that you're waiting for God to do? Maybe it's for a child to come back home or a door to open, or even you're waiting on clarity for your future because you can't decide what it is God has for you. Well, ask yourself three questions today. Number one, what seed is God ask you to keep planting and keep planting? Number two, where am I tempted to become discouraged or bitter? And number three, who am I maybe treating poorly because I'm frustrated with the wait? My dad, who was a preacher, used to say, in the waiting, don't kick the dog. Don't be mean to the one that you can be mean to. Stay sweet, stay waiting on the Lord. And don't dig up in doubt what you planted in faith. Continue to pray, continue to serve, and continue to expect God to come through that you will see a harvest. Because as you wait, your character is being strengthened. And the same God who gave the promise to you is faithful enough throughout the entire process. Let's pray together. Father, strengthen my heart while I wait. Give me patience today, Lord, and help me not to become discouraged or impatient with other people. Give me the endurance to keep planting good seed and the faith to believe that you will come through. When we faint not, we will reap a harvest. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen and amen. So here's today's declaration you can speak over your life. I will not give up in the waiting. God is working beneath the surface, and my harvest is growing. Have a great day.

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