Between the Rains

Yesterday as I read a portion of Scriptures from James 5 assigned for a Bible Study, I thought about what it means as we live between the spring and fall rains. James tell us:

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Some seasons between the the rains are good and little patience is needed, some are long and much patience is required, others are quite painful and we can barely remember the word patience much less the act of patience. I spoke to a dear friend yesterday who became a widow at the end of June. She is doing very well and has experienced moments of immense joy in these last months, though she may not be what the world calls "happy". Of course there are still a few tears, of course she misses her dear husband, but she knows the Lord is with her.

Do our thoughts, words, and deeds line up with the Word of God patiently between the rains? Or are we only a blessing during the rains and times of refreshing? Do we grumble, judge, and ignore patience, God and Kingdom work if we seem to be in a dry time?

As we travel through this Advent Season, let us ask ourselves and the Lord where are we with Him and patience.