October 15

You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. — Jas 5:8 BSB

Patience is a hard lesson to learn, but it’s an important one.

Impatience often leads to failure. Many people give up just when they are on the verge of success. There’s a story of a man who spent a fortune drilling for oil. Discouraged, he sold the well for a small amount. The new owner started drilling again, and within two hours struck oil. If the first man had been patient just a little longer, he would have succeeded.

Many people give up on their prayers too soon, missing the blessing that would have come if they had persisted just a little longer.

Our lesson today teaches us to be patient in our work, waiting for the blessing. The farmer plants his seed and then waits for the harvest. Though months pass, he doesn’t lose hope—he trusts in the natural laws, and eventually, he reaps his reward.

God has promised blessings to those who are faithful. We must never doubt, no matter how long the wait. Only those who are patient will receive the blessing.