Waiting For Rain and For The Harvest

We have had one of the driest seasons I’ve experienced since coming to live in British Columbia.

It is very typical in November for the gray skies to come and not leave for a long time. But here we are in the second half of the month and the rainy days are just now beginning.

Farmers depend so much on the seasonal rains for the produce that we bring to our tables. There was a lot of concern this spring when cool temperatures prevailed for longer than usual. I’m sure farms are ready for some rain now to prepare the ground for the fall planting.

It’s a long time between planting and harvest and so many out of control factors are in play. It takes great faith to wait for seeds to grow and plants to mature before the harvest is ready.

In our lives we so often want things to take place instantly and yet just like, the time required between planting and harvesting so our lives require patience and availability to God over time for his character to be developed in us in a way that brings a fruitful harvest, the peace and blessings in our relationships.

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers, who patiently wait for the rains in the fall, and then the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.

James 5:7

So we pray today, loving God, that you would fill us with your patience as we wait. Working us, so that what needs to grow does so in a strong and healthy way that is able to support fruit that develops in anticipation of a harvest.

You are the God who created us, created time, and provides the harvest. We are so glad that we can commit ourselves and all of these things into your care today,

trusting you to work out your good purposes in it all, and to show your generosity, on behalf of those whose hearts are turned toward you. Amen.