"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for food, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it," says the Lord in Isaiah 55:10-11. The rain comes to minister to the earth so it will produce. Snow also comes to water the earth. Picture a snow-capped mountain. That snow doesn't do a whole lot of watering until the air warms up and it melts. Then it cascades down the mountain to feed streams and rivers that water the land. The "provision" was sent in one season, but was not visible until another season. The previous verses in Isaiah say, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts'" (8-9). The Lord knows the time and place the provision will be needed, and He sends it so that it will arrive right on time for the benefit of those who love Him.

 

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers [even though doing those things might seem to bring about his desires more quickly]. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by the rivers of water that yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither"(Psalms 1:1-3b). There is no promise here that there will be a season of fruit every day. The key is not to give up because God calls the times of the seasons and He will always produce the proper crop at the proper moment. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

 

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" (Ecc. 3:1). These are seasons and times appointed by God who knows the outcome, and has our best interest at heart. And for seasons when we are in a trial that seems it will never end, and when we want to ask "Why, God?", my wise, young friend Tiffany gives a good word: if we are going to ask "why me?" in the hard times, we must also ask "why me?" in the good times, for we have done nothing to merit the favor of God, even though He has opened the door of heaven for us.

 

"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains" (James 5:7). When it comes right down to it, there's really nothing the farmer can do but wait and be patient for the right time. He can add nutrients to the soil, he can weed and hoe and pamper the crops, but until God brings them forth, they don't come. "You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy" (8-11). Patience is a fruit of the Spirit. And we can have confidence that we wait for the One who holds everything in His Hands. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

 

Holy God Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, I trust in You. Keep my seasons turning as they should and help me to wait upon You. Amen