"My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these trials test your faith, and this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need." - James 1:2-4
"But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt." - James 1:6
As we're studying James in FSM, I've been challenged immensely. As I re-read James 1:2-4 it became more and more convicting. I've never been the one in the moment of a trial to find or even think about joy. I'm also very stubborn and have great difficulty when it comes to being patient.
Do you ever pray for something to happen or something you need but while you're praying you find yourself doubt that the Lord can really do what you're asking?
I have! When I read James 1:6 and actually thought about it, it's like a slap in the face to Him when we doubt Him and His power. He created EVERYTHING! He works MIRACLES! Why do we even consider doubting Him?!?! As I asked myself this question, I was slightly embarrassed. When we are going to Him, we should BELIEVE!
Recently I've been challenged and put up against trials. The only reason I could breathe and come out of these trials with some sanity is because this time I actually believed, prayed, and asked Him to guide me in the aspect of these trials, to help me overcome and be filled with His joy. No other want, need, or satisfaction will EVER make you feel like that. To be overwhelmed with His joy and comfort in the midst of a trial is mind boggling.
To personally know a God that can do that is the most joyful thing one can experience. We don't ever give Him enough credit. What an incredible God we have!(:
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Been One of Those Days...
Seems like this week has been a pretty rough week for most people. I feel the exact same way. But after tonight there are some things on my heart that I really want to share.
My cell group and I spent about 30-45 minutes praying alone and with one another in a prayer room tonight. When you're having a rough week that puts you in a definite low, it's incredible to see how the power of prayer and His strength can change everything. Tonight as I prayed and spent time talking to Him, I felt a giant weight being lifted and an overwhelming peace in my heart. At a moment of weakness from this stressful week I felt His strength. As humans we were made weak so that we could see, need, and rely on His strength during the weak, rough, and difficult times.
"The Lord gives strength to His people, the Lord blesses His people with peace." -Psalm 29:11
I've come to realize that most of time I try to be strong for myself and everyone else. Yet every time I attempt to do that I fail. Why? Simply because without Him, I have no purpose, meaning, strength, peace, or value. He is the source of life, every reason we are here, ALIVE! That alone is an amazing amount of strength that only He will EVER posses.
'But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again. They will rise up as an eagle in the sky; they will run and not need rest; they will walk and not become tired." -Isaiah 40:31
My cell group and I spent about 30-45 minutes praying alone and with one another in a prayer room tonight. When you're having a rough week that puts you in a definite low, it's incredible to see how the power of prayer and His strength can change everything. Tonight as I prayed and spent time talking to Him, I felt a giant weight being lifted and an overwhelming peace in my heart. At a moment of weakness from this stressful week I felt His strength. As humans we were made weak so that we could see, need, and rely on His strength during the weak, rough, and difficult times.
"The Lord gives strength to His people, the Lord blesses His people with peace." -Psalm 29:11
I've come to realize that most of time I try to be strong for myself and everyone else. Yet every time I attempt to do that I fail. Why? Simply because without Him, I have no purpose, meaning, strength, peace, or value. He is the source of life, every reason we are here, ALIVE! That alone is an amazing amount of strength that only He will EVER posses.
'But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again. They will rise up as an eagle in the sky; they will run and not need rest; they will walk and not become tired." -Isaiah 40:31
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