Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.
 
James 5:7-8
 
The Gospel of John tells us that the coming of the Lord, or the Word of God, is also the coming of grace and truth in full. The season when we prepare for Jesus’ coming is called Advent. Advent means “arrival,” and that means we need to learn the virtue of patience. Sometimes the fruit of our mission and service is slow in coming, and we can get discouraged. It is during these times that God calls us even more to have firm hearts.
 
Rather than our growing in doubt when things seem at a standstill, God can use these times in between to make us even more committed to the mission and purpose he has given us.
 
Today, pray for the gift of greater patience and perseverance to experience the good fruits of your labors in the vineyard of the Lord.