"Be patient, therefore, brothers,until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.” James 5:7
The seed our eldest daughter planted at nursery had finally been left alone. It was a titanic achievement. No more digging up and replanting or scolding. It was a welcome relief!
Then, almost stealth like, the phrase snuck up on us, “Is it here yet?” You’ve probably experienced something similar long car journeys but my wife and I thought we’d navigated this particular pitfall quite expertly when we explained that the new seedling needed to be watered and tended to.
At the start the new plant was killed with kindness, regular watering, turning to the sun, talking to it and lots of TLC. As I watched her I thought of the sower in Matthew’s parable. He scattered the seed and walked away to let nature take its course. As it did, the rains pelted the young plant and the sun dried it out. I’m sure the weather wasn’t always light rain and warm sunshine. I’m sure the fledging plant took quite a beating in the wind and rain.
This is just like us; we patiently wait for the seeds we have sown into the lives of others to take effect. We watch as the storms of life move in and take their toll. It might not be easy viewing and we are desperate to see the long years of sowing take effect.
But just like any other natural law on earth, the journey of growth can’t be sped up nor can it be slowed down. When we sow goodness into fertile ground good seed will germinate and grow.
In your watching and waiting today, don’t lose heart if you can’t see your seed taking root and germinating. Don’t be discouraged when the storms of life batter the tiny plant. God will bring a harvest, it’s only a matter of trusting his timing.