Daily Devotional for Wednesday, March 27

Steadfastness in Suffering

“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh,” James 5:7,8.

A woman rushed up to famed violinist Fritz Kreisler after a concert and cried, “I’d give my life to play as beautifully as you do.” Kreisler replied, “I did.”

As the farmer patiently toils to plow the soil and plant the seed, he works tirelessly to do all that he can do. Yet, when all his work is finished, he patiently waits on God to do what only God can do. Then, when harvest comes, he can humbly praise God for the produce and enjoy the fruit of his own labor. The farmer works like the harvest depends on himself and prays like it depends on God. Because he continued in his labor and prayers, he enjoyed the outcome of the season.

It is possible for Christians to cease from laboring when the journey seems too difficult, or Christians could stop working when there does not seem to be any fruit. But, if we remain faithful to work like it depends on us and pray like it depends on God, we will reap the harvest of the season.

THOUGHT
When the journey gets rough, put your head down and get to work while praying for God’s power to help you continue.

Steven Ridings