THE LAST LAP

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. - James 5:7-8

Each of us needs to be patient. The meaning of the word “patient” in the original Greek is interesting. It means “long temper” or think long, have a long fuse, focus for the last lap of the race. I like watching NASCAR. I remember one race where a driver had to start last because of an engine change. He had a great car that day and he slowly made his way to the front. Lap after lap he just slowly made his way past one car at a time. And then the last lap of the race he past the leader to win the race. He never led the race until the last half of the last lap. His eye was on the last lap, he was not out to lead every lap but to be there in the end. That is what we as believers need to have, focused on the prize. Look ahead to the Lord’s coming, not the problems of each day.