Live 4 The LORD

​READ

2 Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7, 8 For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord.  (James 1:2–8, RSV2CE)

REFLECTION

Faith: A free submission of my intellect and will to God, Entrusting my whole self entirely to Him, And assenting to all he has revealed, Because God is truth itself.

Count it joy when I have a test that makes me have to submit my thoughts, wants, and will to God instead of human figuring. Count it joy when I have to entrust myself completely to God fighting the temptation to sin, reasoning, and self direction. 

Every time I have this kind of test I am building up the muscle to produce steadfastness on God’s character and care not my reasoning and manipulation of circumstances. 

If I keep building steadfastness on God I will be perfect and complete lacking nothing. His knowledge is unlimited! He will not guide me wrong. 

I must ask for wisdom. I must be dependent on Him, not self directed always trying to figure. God always answers, He gives answers without reproach to those sincerely asking for direction. 

But I must ask in faith! I must submit my thoughts, wants, and will to God instead of human figuring, because I know He is right and knows best. I must not doubt his wisdom. 

If I doubt His direction or His willingness to give me answers I am acting double minded and unstable. I will not receive what I’m looking for because I am not willing to believe He is guiding. 

RESOLUTION

I am to live dependent on God and His wisdom. Help me God, ask you for direction. I am not to figure and reason. I am exhausted constantly trying to figure things out. Help me remember I am not alone and should be asking for guidance. It is a joy to live in dependence on your care and wisdom since You are never wrong. These tests to rely on you and not myself, build me up and increase our communion. It strengthens my faith in you and shows me your glory! Help me submit myself to you my King and Lord!

REST

Thank you for not reproaching! Thank you for wanting to give me your wisdom. Thank you for wanting me to live with you. Thank you for the gift of faith. Help me rest in your care and love. Amen.