Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.  

                                                                                                                     James 5:7-8 

Given the fact that one of the attributes of God is patience (slow to anger, Exodus 34:6) and that one of the traits of a Spirit-filled life is to be patient with others, it only makes sense that James would be encouraging us to be patient as we expectantly wait for the coming of the Lord. Consider how he uses this word in today’s passage: 

1. Patience in waiting for the return of Christ

Living in a sinful world, largely set on opposing the things of God, can be challenging. Living out our faith in front of an unbelieving world can also, at times, be difficult. But we are reminded to be patient as we wait for the coming of the Lord. On that day, those of us who belong to Christ will welcome Him back with the shouts of “Hallelujah!” But for the lost world, having rejected the gospel, there will be nothing but judgment and condemnation. Although this is a largely unpopular message, the truth behind the second coming of Christ cannot be denied. Here is how scripture describes those last days before His coming:

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. 

                                                                                                                 2 Timothy 3:1-5 

As we observe these things in our modern culture, we should not be surprised rather we should realize that the time of Christ’s arrival is indeed approaching.

2. Patience like a farmer waiting for his crop to come in

James uses the idea of the farmer as one who must wait patiently for his crop to blossom. The Christian life can be very much like the farmer in that we continue to plant seeds into the lives of others, waiting for those seeds to blossom and bear fruit. In some cases, this waiting can seem like a lifetime. Ask any parent who has been praying for his/her prodigal to return. It is easy to begin to believe that our efforts are not worth our time. But we must always remember that, just like the farmer, our work often takes time for it to produce any observable results. Consider how Paul refers to the Christian life:

Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 

                                                                                                                 2 Timothy 2:3-6 

In order to stay diligent and devoted to the work of the gospel, we must always carry with us a spirit of willingness to be patient.

3. Patience with a strong heart, resolved to serve the Lord

James tell us to, “Be patient and to strengthen our hearts.” Waiting (expectantly) for the Lord can sometimes be difficult but we are told in scripture that those who do so will gain new strength. Consider the words of Isaiah:

He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

                                                                                                                 Isaiah 40:29-31 

As we live our lives, we should be resolved, with a strong heart of devotion and commitment, to serve the Lord. As the world goes its own way, we can patiently wait for the day when the Lord returns. For believers in Jesus Christ, this will be the most joyous of days. So as we see the culture spiraling away from God, just remember the following:

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him (Jesus), and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

                                                                                                            Philippians 2:9-11