The Sweetness of Patience (Daily Refresh, 8-15-26)

Have you ever plucked fruit prematurely?

Perhaps you were drawn in by its vibrant color or sweet scent moving through the air. But when you took the first bite, you realized it lacked the ripeness you anticipated. Everything seemed right at first glance, but there was one missing ingredient…

Time.

Even the simple act of picking fruit can teach us about time and patience:

“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. You, too, be patient and stand firm because the Lord’s coming is near.”
James 5:7-8

The author, James, penned these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to a community of new Jewish converts to Christianity, dispersed throughout various regions. These early Christians faced many trials, including persecution and opposition, because of their newfound faith. James’ call to wait patiently and endure was more than mere words on a page; they were a lifeline of hope and encouragement in the midst of adversity.

And just as those early believers confronted trials, we, too, will encounter challenges and suffering in our Christian journey. And, just like those early believers, you can choose patience—allowing the fruit of the Spirit to ripen within you, no matter the season of life. And when you do, your character will mature, your faith will deepen, and your relationship with God will become sweeter than you could imagine.

Patience always bears the fruit of perseverance and strength, even today and even for you!

My Thoughts

I am not a patient person. I make plans and execute them on my time table, as much as is possible in a world where other people have a different time table and keep interfering with mine. Traveling and staying with family is an exercise in patience, as I learn to wait for my turn in the bathroom to take a shower, wait for others to be ready so we can go to an event, wait for my husband to come back from an errand so I can eat and take meds. There is a lot of waiting going on around here these days.

Today our granddaughter gets married. After getting engaged back in October and beginning the plans for her wedding then, the day has arrived. Lots of planning and preparation going on! But you know what it makes me think? Jesus is preparing for a wedding too when we (His bride) will finally be with Him forever. Imagine the preparations going on in Heaven for this awesome day! Do we like waiting? No, but it’s a necessary part of our growth so that we are ready to meet our bridegroom and rejoice together forever.

Waiting is never easy but it is always worth it!