Patience While Seeds Grow
Your Nightly Prayer
by Amber Ginter
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.” - James 5:7
SOMETHING TO PONDER
When I was a little girl, I spent nearly every week at my Memo and Papa’s home after school. Besides learning how to read and cook, I learned how to tend a garden. From planting the seeds to watching them grow, I was always surprised by how quickly weeds popped up, even though I was certain I hadn’t planted them.
Tirelessly, I’d watch my Papa go out before sunrise to prune, pull, water, and fertilize. Sweat dripped from his brow, and his skin glowed a burnt brown from the sun. And yet, he never seemed tired. A smile adorned his lips. I often wondered why, but I think I understand now.
My Papa knew that, in gardening, like most things in life, it takes patience while the seeds grow. Unlike my Papa, I wanted the sweet corn, green beans, and potatoes right now. The instant I planted the seed, I wanted the crop. But that’s not how growth works, is it?
If babies were born on day one and 20 years-old a few hours later, it wouldn’t make sense. Not only would we be freaked out, but these “babies” would be immature. Despite their growth or appearance, we would know they hadn’t lived life to have experience or knowledge. The same is true when it comes to cultivating the fruit of our lives.
We all have dreams, goals, and ambitions. We have seeds we’re planting deep into the ground. But if we want those seeds to produce good, lasting fruit, we need to let them grow. Dig deep. Develop steady, thick, and long roots. Patience during this process isn’t easy, but it’s best for everyone. James 5:7 explains the process this way:
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming” (James 5:7).
In life, we will grow weary and tired of waiting. This applies to the seeds we plant, the dreams we wish to achieve, and the spouse we pray to meet. But it also applies to Jesus’ coming. This world gets uglier by the day, and we can’t wait for Jesus to come back and take us to our eternal home. But remember, our God isn’t slow in returning. He’s being patient so that all can be saved.
If you struggle to wait today, know you’re not alone. But instead of rushing the process of growth, I encourage you to plant some seeds and watch them grow. Tend to them. Water them. Fertilize them with nourishment. And while the process will take time, let it remind you that the same is true of our lives.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear Jesus,
Having patience while my seeds grow isn’t easy. I want to plant today and harvest tomorrow, though I know that’s not how life works. When I feel this way, please help me to be patient. Help me to endure the time it takes to wait and strengthen my weary soul. Remind me that though these things take time, patience grows endurance. I thank you for the gift of growth, Lord.
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
- Go out and buy some seeds to plant. Remember to use good soil and water it as needed. As you watch the growth, let this remind you of God’s growth in your own life.
- Read James 5:7. Then, read the entire chapter of James 5. Write down some key verses that stood out to you in this chapter. Reflect on what those things teach you about growth and patience.
- Take time to journal about the things in your life that you’re tired of waiting for. Write these thoughts into a prayer and surrender them to the Lord.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Bethany Laird
Originally published Wednesday, 22 April 2026.
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