The picture of a farmer sowing seed appears frequently in Scripture as an example of the believer sowing the seeds of God’s Word. James 5:7-8 uses the
farmer to help us understand the attitude that will bring increase in this present day.
“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until
it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (NKJV).
The signs of the times indicate that the return of Jesus Christ is near. I believe that this is the final generation. But whether or not this is the world’s
final generation, this is certainly our final generation!
We must be busy about our Father’s business. James shows us that the farmer sows his seed and then looks hopeful to the coming of the rain that will cause
it to grow. Patience is not merely inactive waiting as some might suppose. The Bible explanation of the word patience is to continue unmoved by any
attack or evidence that is contrary to God’s promises.
The farmer is not idle as he waits for the rain to come. He is busy attending to the field. He works hard not only sowing the seed, but also to keep a
quality environment in which it can flourish. His expectation is for a great harvest and all his work is done with that purpose in mind. Even though
he knows that his time, money, and effort will bring no income until harvest time, his confidence in the future crop inspires him to continue.
Notice in Philippians 1:19-20 the Apostle Paul speaks of the kind of expectation reflected in the farmer:
“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation
and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or
by death” (NKJV).
Notice he says that his deliverance is according to what he expects and hopes for. His expectation played an important role in what he would receive.
Our expectation of God’s Word becoming a reality is vital to establishing His promises in our hearts. We expect to be healed because we have found healing
in God’s Word. We expect prosperity and peace because God has already provided it for every person who will receive it.
Intense expectation and hope work together hand in hand. Hope is a confident expectation. With an intense and confident expectation we can look for the
promises of God to become reality in our lives. Circumstances must not move our attention away. We must hold fast to what our faith in God’s Word promises
that we have received.
