"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-" - James 5:7 (NIV). 

Patience has been characterised as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Gal 5:22-23).

The noted Christian author, Charles Spurgeon, has given us a beautiful illustration of patience. "A butterfly will eventually emerge from its chrysalis, but not before a butterfly egg hatches into a caterpillar and the caterpillar forms itself into the chrysalis" he writes of nature. "A salmon will eventually lay its eggs in a stream, but not before it has attained maturity in the ocean and has swum up the stream. A farmer will eventually reap a harvest, but not before he plows the land, plants, and fertilizes the crop."

Spurgeon goes on to point that just as it is written "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" (Ecclesiastes 3:1), being patient is the order of nature and God.

Well, if one wanted to get an idea of how patience can be a scarce commodity venture on a road here in Uganda and momentarily experience a jam. While you normally expect drivers to stay in their line, it is never that easy. Suddenly three or four lanes normally emerge caused by impatient drivers

If you are the type who is always hurried and eager to have your way, just remember this. Life requires a dose of patience, like a farmer who sows, cultivates and waits for a rich harvest, while enjoying every moment for each has a purpose and meaning. By practicing patience you are revealing God's work in you, as you demonstrate the fruit of the Holy Spirit!

Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray for the fruit of patience especially in my personal relationships, this I pray in Jesus name.