James 5:7-8 - Farmers Worth Imitating

When Jesus was “taken up into a cloud” to return to heaven, two angels told the disciples that just as they had seen Him leave, “someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” (Acts 1:9, New Living Translation, 2015)

As I've said before, when you see a cloud, get excited: "Maybe that's where Jesus will appear!" And when there is a cloudless sky, look for a cloud to form, for the same reason.
[July 7, 2020 - Acts 1:11 - Why you should be a nephologist]

Waiting for clouds requires patience.

“7 Dear brothers and sisters {James writes}, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. 8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (James 5:7, NLT2015. 5:8, NASB, 1995) 

Not all farmers are patient. Some farmers grumble and complain: no matter what the season, no matter what the weather. It has nothing to do with their farming, they'd be just as discontent with a factory job or an office position.

That's why we consider calm farmers: ones that are patient, but also eager. They keep looking forward for clouds. Clouds can mean rain. Rain can mean a valuable harvest.

Getting impatient won't make needed rain come any quicker, and the wise farmer knows it--even while they eagerly scan the sky every day for clouds... regardless of what the forecast is. It's the same for Christians, “And the prize is ...for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8, NLT)

Father in heaven, We keep looking at the sky for clouds--not just clouds bringing rain, but clouds bringing Your Son back to earth. Strengthen our hearts with patient eagerness, knowing that Jesus Christ is coming back at any time. In His name we pray, Amen.