From 1991-2000 I traveled extensively in the ministry, visiting some forty states and forty-five countries, much of it through the air.
When it came to airports back then, and especially international flights/airports, needing to arrive three to four hours early was a necessity. The aged adage, “Hurry up and wait” was the practice of the day.
Early on, I was so frustrated with all that “down time.” My patience waned with every hour of waiting and every flight delay.
It was if I was some 7-year old, riding in the back seat of the car, asking every few minutes, “are we there yet?” even though I was thirty years older.
Ultimately, I finally grew up and began using that airport time productively and patiently preparing rather than pacing the floor muttering and complaining to myself. I even matured enough to look forward to that time in my journey that had previously been so despised as a necessary “evil” to get where I needed to go.
Truthfully, that maturing carried over from my traveling journey to my Christian journey. Yes, I long for my journey’s destination, to forever be with the Lord. But I learned (and in some cases I am still learning) to enjoy the journey itself.
In that maturing, I learned the virtue—and peace—of patience.
In preparing for that day, James penned:
“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. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.”
– James 5:7–9 NASB
James shares two specifics as we wait for the Lord’s return: one is a “do” and one is a “don’t.”
• Do: strengthen your heart.
• Don’t: complain against another.
James is such a succinct writer that his book is commonly known as the New Testament Proverbs. His words leave little room for self-rationalizing.
Thus, as I wait for the Lord’s return, “don’t” complain against another by blaming them for my situation; and “do” strengthen my heart by waiting for, trusting in, and then embracing His promises to me.
All the while – that is, in my patience – He will refresh me with the former and latter rain of the Spirit.
It is a promised refreshing until He appears on that day.
