I started writing a devotional when I was going through unemployment after university in 2014. It was very challenging for me and I still wrestle with my identity being wrapped up in ‘what I do’ at times. I had only written it for seven days, but thought I would share it here to maybe encourage someone going through a tough time regarding work or lack of it. 

Day Five

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 Lord uses times of waiting to allow us to become more patient. Perhaps we become more impatient as we do not see the light at the end of the tunnel or the fruits of our labour. We are always looking for the next part of our journey and we end up missing the wonder of today.

The farmer mentioned in these verses has to wait patiently for the rain to come before he can reap what he has sown. In the society we live in today there is an expectation of instantaneous gratification; a desire that we should get what we want when we want it without waiting for it. In some cases, what we want is not good for us and could be harmful and not beneficial.

During this season of waiting we are like the farmer, but we are waiting in expectation for that interview or job offer. My friend, I do not know when or if that job offer will come in the way that we expect it to and when we would like it to. I pray that God’s will be done whatever that may look like – job or no job. But what should we truly be waiting for? A job? Or the One who provides our every need? We should be patient and wait for the Lord in all things. This pleases God and it takes our eyes off of ourselves. Praise God, for He is patient with us!

Prayer for today…

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your patience with us when we often forget that we should wait upon You! Help us to remember that we are to wait patiently in all circumstances and enable us to be obedient in this area of our lives today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.