SEEK GOD with Patience
December 06, 2023
“Weather plays a big role in farming,” Greg Bowman said in an article that appeared in The Northern Virginia Daily. “One thing you can’t count on is the rain.”
These are the words of a farmer in northern Virginia, who found himself anxiously waiting for rain to fall on his crop this past summer. The article explained that even though the area was not technically in a drought, the lack of rain was negatively affecting the corn crop:
Research indicates that when corn doesn’t receive enough water during early germination, the crop produces fewer kernels on its ear. Bowman, who describes this as popcorning, said this happens when the crop never pollinates. This is the most sensitive time for the crop's yield. (Miller, 2023)
While it may be hard for many of us to relate to the challenges and struggles of being a farmer, all of us have gone through dry and arid times in our lives. None of us are immune to pain and suffering. And all of us must be patient. The question becomes, what do we do during these difficult seasons of our lives?
The Bible says to wait patiently for the Lord as a farmer does:
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 (NIV)
Throughout December, we will continue our journey of seeking God, as we study Psalm 27. In Psalm 27:14, David encourages his readers to “wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” In consideration of this idea, we will be exploring how to seek God with patience throughout every aspect of life.
To begin our study, our students will learn that seeking God often requires patience. They will hear of people like Mary (Matthew 1:18-25, 2:13-23) and the wise men (Matthew 2:1-11), who had to be patient as they followed God’s leading. Students will learn that when we seek God with patience, God will be faithful to His promises. They will hear stories of people like Simeon, who was able to see the Messiah before he died, an act that fulfilled a promise given to him many years earlier (Luke 2:25).
Each of these characters experienced challenging times while being patient. So, we want to show our students that when things get tough, instead of giving up, we can put our trust in God like these characters did, who in many ways became like a farmer who anxiously awaits the autumn and spring rain. Amid their struggle, they put their trust in God and were patient and stood firm. As a result, they experienced God’s faithfulness in their lives.
My prayer is that as we prepare our hearts and minds for the birth of Christ during this season of Advent, His faithfulness would arrive in our lives in such a way that brings much-needed rain, water, and new life to the dry parts of our lives.
Blessings to you!
Family Discussion Questions and Spiritual Formation Practices:
Share a time in your life when God was faithful to you as you patiently sought after Him. What was the most difficult part of it? What was the result?
Read the Christmas story (Luke 1:1–2:40) together. Make time for family members to have the opportunity to share their favorite character and explain how that character showed patience.
Learn more about Advent and create a new Advent tradition in your family.
Pray for farmers you know. Ask God to bless their work.
Media Resources:
Elementary:
Parent Studies:
Waiting on the Lord: What Does It Mean to Wait on the Lord?
Advent:
Advent Season: What Is Advent and How Is It Celebrated?
Works Cited:
Miller, Ashley. (August 14, 2023). Farmer keeps his eyes on the sky, waiting for rain The Northern Virginia Daily.
