Last week, we were

challenged to move faith-forward.  We

learned that faith is not about the results, but about our obedience and trust

in God as we follow Him.  This morning,

we're being reminded of that old fable that 'slow and steady' wins the race.

Paul wrote several

times about this race of faith that we are running.  Of course, we're well aware that this race

that we are running isn't a 40 yard dash, but rather, a life-long marathon.  To run this race requires perseverance,

endurance, and yes, that fruit of the Spirit that we desire the least;

patience!

Sure, God's plans

and purposes for your life may be far grander than you can even imagine, but we

achieve those plans and purposes by obediently following Him one step at a

time.  Even as we were reminded two weeks

ago, many miraculous acts of God's provision occurred progressively as it was

being given out without even realizing that a miracle was taking place until

afterwards.

There's only six

more weeks left in the regular NFL season. 

As painful as this reality might be, the Ravens have us beat by 2 games

so far…  At least we're still beating the

Browns overall, right?  We'll soon be

getting ready for that pinnacle game that every team sets out to play in every

year; the super bowl!

The super bowl might

be the end goal, but it is achieved one game at a time.  Winning the game might be the goal, but it is

achieved one touchdown or field goal at a time. 

The end zone might be the goal, but it is achieved 10 yards at a

time. 

First down might be

the goal, but it is achieved as each individual player does their part and

executes the play as planned.  Executing

the play might be the goal, but it achieved as each player memorizes those

plays and disciplines themselves through practice and intense training.

The super bowl is

ultimately won and lost in the weight room, during the morning run, at the

dinner table, and at off-season practices.

Sure, we all love

those 75 yard runs and hail Mary passes caught while diving into the end

zone!  However, in all truthfulness,

those championship rings are earned through consistently executing plays one

yard at a time.

Winning the race

that Christ has called us to is no different. 

We win this race through one step of obedience and integrity at a

time.  Yes, we must faithfully do our

part, but then we need to patiently wait on God to do His part.

James 5:7-11

7 Be patient, then,

brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.

Talk about

patience!  None of us want to wait that

long, right!?!?  The Greek word used here

is parousia which does mean the future, physical return of Jesus.  However, this word is also defined simply as

the presence of God.  In other words,

don't get ahead of God and try to force things to happen - even if those things

are His will.  Be patient until the

Lord's coming!  We continue on as James

gives us a natural example of this spiritual reality.

See how the farmer

waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn

and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s

coming is near.

The farmer does

their part.  They plow and plant and

water.  Then, the longest part of the

farming process?  They wait and wait and

wait until God grows their crop and it eventually bears fruit.  Then,