Learning patience

Deciding what to do when we finish our school years can seem like the biggest decision we will ever have to make. As we approach this time, we begin to ask ourselves questions like, ‘What do I want to do with my life?’. ‘What do I want to achieve?’ As young people, we may not thoroughly consider the process and timing involved in achieving our goals and aspirations. In most cases, we lack patience. We want to have everything, achieve everything and experience everything NOW!

The Scripture says, ‘Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit…and has long patience for it’. James 5:7. In hindsight, I can learn quite a deal from one of my close school friends. His career path taught him this most important quality and attribute. He became a farmer. In today’s society, farming may not be considered a desired profession. However, if we take a closer look at farming, there are many important lessons and life principles that we can learn. Right from the early planning stages through to the harvest, correct timing and patience are crucial.

Perhaps King Solomon began chapter three of Ecclesiastes with a young person in mind. He said, ‘To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven’. Ecc 3:1. Some seasons of our lives may include ‘breaking up the fallow ground’. Hos 10:12. Often, a farmer will need to plough deep if it is the first time the ground has been broken up or prepared for a crop. The ground will then require tilling with fine harrows to really break up any stubborn clumps of dirt that may have been missed. During this phase, the farmer must exercise patience.

There are many steps to ensuring a good crop. Firstly, it’s essential that the correct seed has been purchased. Time will then need to be prioritised to plant this seed. Again, the farmer must wait patiently. As weeds begin to grow with the emerging crop, it is important for him to know what kind of weeds they are. Often, a farmer will ask for help at this time, perhaps from an outside expert or consultant. The Scripture teaches us that in a multitude of wise counsellors there is safety. Prov 24:6. Eventually, all the weeds will need to be dealt with. From this time on, the emerging, fragile plants will require careful nurturing and fertilising. And finally, the farmer will need to exercise patience as he waits for the rain.

A personal goal, like the farmer’s crop, needs time. Very easily we can become impatient as we wait for an outcome. If we do not lose heart or focus and do exercise our patience, we can be assured by God’s promise that ‘in due season we shall reap’ a harvest. Gal 6:9.

There will be times in our life when we are faced with a decision. Perhaps we will be making plans and hoping with eager anticipation for the things the Lord has planned for our future. Will we be like David the psalmist who was able to say, ‘I waited patiently for the Lord?’ Psa 40:1.

Shem Barnes

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Feature Articles
April 2009

How does faith grow?

Behold the Lamb

Pray without ceasing

The springs of song

Holy to the Lord

Supporting identity

Why do we fast?

Making vows

Watch over your soul

Learning patience

God is. Great!