Strength
Have you ever had something in your life that the thought of it makes you uneasy, nervous and maybe even anxious or afraid. If you let it, this thing can grow and become all consuming. It can rob you of simple joys. The day in and day out becomes a blur because your focus keeps going back to this thing.
In the book of James; James, Jesus’s brother, is writing to encourage believers that perhaps lived outside of Israel. I love this book as it is packed full of wise direction. James 1:2-4 says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Maybe it’s a project you need to finish, an interview you are preparing for, a house you need to clean, a relationship you need to walk away from or a diagnosis you are battling. Whatever it is, know that God can use this thing to make you complete. So, sisters don’t quit, keep going and trust Jesus to sustain you.
This sounds easy but these simple instructions are often forgotten. Rather than running to my bible I want to call a girlfriend. As women, I think there is something comforting about talking to others. While it is good to seek biblical counsel from a select few, we have a tendency to want to ask everyone we see for their opinion on the “thing.” Depending on what the “thing” is we need to make sure that when we share it is not self-promoting or gossip.
The urge and temptation to act on our sinful desires is real. One of these desires is wanting to share what we know without pausing to ask why we are sharing. Gossip is widely accepted and even promoted in todays age. If you “know more” then you must be popular and even “trending.”
If we look again at James: 19-21 “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
Friends let’s recap here. James has instructed us to preserve when asked to do hard things, pray and ask for wisdom, have faith, keep quiet, be slow to anger and listen. Wow! If that isn’t challenging and convicting, I’m not sure what is.
I want to suggest that if we begin to practice these instructions, we can expect to see God deliver on his promises. Sisters, peace and wisdom will come, and fears will be conquered. Chains will be broken, and hearts will be saved. If this is overwhelming pick one area to start with this week.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your word. Lord I pray we have a steadfast faith that is not as an ocean wave. Father be our anchor. Give us wisdom and help us to know that we need to keep going and preserve so that you are glorified. In Jesus name, Amen.