The Daniel Fast – Day 11 & 12

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. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. – James 5:7-8 (NIV)

One of the hardest things to do is to be patient. It can drive us to the point of despair when we are in situations that require answers which are beyond our means or abilities. These can be life threatening illnesses, financial issues that have deadlines with dire consequences to our well being and other similar circumstances. We do not see the end of the tunnel, let alone the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it is so dark that we feel that we are in a deep pit with endless sides rather than in a tunnel heading somewhere. Prayers seem to be hitting a steel ceiling and bouncing back unanswered. God, it seems, must have taken a vacation. In the scripture above James is referring to the return of the Lord. He encourages believers to be patient in the face of all adversity, as can be noted by the use of the phrase ‘stand firm’.

Thousands of years have passed and many are skeptical as to whether Jesus will return or not. In a similar manner, some are mocking you and asking where your God is, as they see your situation somewhat deteriorating. Yet the writer compares this wait to a farmer’s wait for the land to yield its valuable crop. In the same way, what you have sown in faith will bear fruit at the appointed time. There are some crops that require a dry spell to be able to ripen and be dried for harvesting. If the rains continue or fall out of season, they can ruin the crop. In a similar manner, wait upon God for answers, for He is never too early or too late.

Be blessed!

Prayer point: Fill me with a heart of patience, that in due course I may rejoice at your answer, oh God, and that my faith in you will grow.