The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Do you struggle in the seasons or moments of waiting? Patience is something that can be very difficult. Colossians 3:12 says “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
I bought a semi in 2022 and was waiting until I had my own hopper bottom to get my cdl. I finally found the right one, right before the next harvest in 23. I’d already passed the written test and needed to take the driving portion. But with the short time period before harvest started, I decided to wait so I’d have more time to get experience before taking the driving test.
This meant I’d have to find drivers every day to keep harvest rolling. I prayed constantly about this and God came through every single day with someone to fill in. I’m so thankful for Gods faithfulness and also the guys that helped me out. There’s been so many times, that the situation did not look good or just plain impossible. Always down to the last second and then God comes through.
In those seasons of waiting God has grown my faith through those experiences and given me more patience. It’s taught me to fully trust Him no matter how bad the circumstances look. 2024 was no different. There was several scenarios that forced me to be patient and trust in Gods perfect plan. In the middle of September I still didn’t have a combine or anyone to drive my semi for harvest. The crops were drying down fast, but I felt God was behind the delay.
I remember sitting down with my wife on a Sunday evening, about that same time and we made a prayer list. Two of those prayers were for a driver and a combine. She had no doubt that God would come through, just as He always has with His perfect timing. That very next day God provided the perfect driver and then a combine by the end of the week.
He came from another state and couldn’t have asked for a better man to work with. Me and my dad always start and end each day with a prayer on the farm. He offered to join in and say a prayer out loud too. Most of our conversations involved God and testimony. He was such a blessing and during one of my most challenging harvests of all time, God light was shining brightly.
I’ve learned over the years to surrender everything and let God guide you. Only He can give us peace that doesn’t make sense.
This fall was no different. I hadn’t found a driver yet and harvest was about to start. I found someone to fill in to get me started, but had no plans after that. I never worry about it because I know God is behind every little detail. It’s exciting knowing that He always has a greater plan.
A day before I was about to start, the semi was already to go and a check engine light came on. I immediately felt peace knowing that God had a reason for it. A few years ago I would have probably been stressed to the max. We had someone come check it out and the code showed a bad wire somewhere. Easy fix as mice tend to bite through wires in the off season.
More than likely it would only take a few days to figure out. Back in August one of my friends called me and had asked if I ever needed an extra truck. He was about to buy a truck and hopper bottom. I usually have extra hauling done when I’m on corn to keep up with the combine.
So I’d already agreed to give him a certain amount of loads for corn. With my truck being down I asked him if he’d be able to haul for me to get starter. He was already done with their harvest and was more than happy to help out. God reminded me again that He was in control and had a plan. It’s important to surrender and let God lead your thoughts and decisions.
He gave me so much peace about it and the person driving his truck was the perfect fit for the operation. He brought so much joy and positivity to the farm. It was definitely another God thing. It turned out to be another great fall and the atmosphere was perfect every single day this fall. In the mean time my truck wasn’t having much progress. They were trying to get schematics to trace these wires from International. It was a long slow process.
Harvest went very smooth and God made it clear that He had allowed all of this to take place. A few days before I was about done with harvest, they found out that my ECM had gone bad. So no bad wires. I finished up harvest, being able to let my friend use his truck the whole time.
In the end it all worked out and ended up getting the ECM rebuilt so the cost very low. It’s always hard to see what God is doing in the moment, but we have to trust Him. He knew back in August that my truck would be down all of October and November.
I’d never had any issues with it so it was definitely a curveball. That’s just part of farming and life though. You’ll always have breakdowns and unexpected storms, remember to put everything in His hands.
If you pray for patience, be ready for God to put you in situations that will grow your patience and force you to trust Him. In every season of waiting, we’re given a choice, to grow bitter or to grow better. Through these moments, God isn’t absent, He’s actively at work, shaping our hearts and deepening our dependence on Him.
As I look back on the years of trusting God for the right equipment, people and timing. I can see clearly now how the Holy Spirit was present every step of the way, guiding, refining and strengthening me when I felt unsure or overwhelmed. It’s the Holy Spirit who produces the patience and peace, nothing we can do on our own. He truly does work all things out for the good and His glory.
So if you’re in a season of waiting right, know that you’re not alone. Ask God for patience and surrender that control. The same Spirit who sustained me will sustain you and in the end, God’s timing will always be perfect!