Ever feel like obstacles in life are like Hump-Days? Once you get over one there’s another one around the corner. Like Hump-Days there’ll always be obstacles in our lives. Christ said, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b
James tells us that when we encounter various trials we’re to consider it all joy. He says we know that the testing of our faith produces endurance. And we’re to let endurance have its perfect result so we may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But, if we lack wisdom, we should ask of God who gives generously and without reproof and he will give it. BUT the person asking for God’s wisdom must ask in faith. He shouldn’t ask while at the same time not believing God. That person will not receive from God. The doubting person is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. He/She is a double-minded person, unstable in all his/her ways. Hmmmm. Let’s step through this one.
God
- hears those who ask in faith.
- responds to those who ask in faith.
- gives wisdom to those who ask in faith.
- gives wisdom generously to those who ask in faith.
- gives wisdom without criticizing or reproving those who ask in faith.
The person of faith
- understands that the testing of faith will produce endurance.
- will let endurance have its perfect result.
- moves towards God in trials.
- will become complete and lack nothing by trials.
- can ask God for his wisdom.
- believes God.
- asks God and believes that he hears.
- asks and believes God will give his wisdom.
- does not doubt but comes in confidence that God will give his wisdom.
- are firmly planted in God.
The person who doubts
- is like water that is tossed and driven by the wind.
- is like water is unstable and effected by the wind.
- he is double-minded and goes in whatever direction the wind blows, like water with the wind.
Have you ever known double minded people? They speak one thing and act another way. They talk out of both sides of their mouth. They’re always looking out for number one, themselves. They’re always looking to land on top of everything and everyone. They change directions with the wind of the situations and the wind of their own desires.
Maybe your obstacles are from the blast of wind of those driven by it. Perhaps your obstacles are small clusters popping up here and there every day. Perhaps you’re facing a mountain of obstacles. Perhaps you’re facing one heaping mountain of an obstacle.
Know and remember this, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17.
From God’s perspective your trials are meant for your good. As you go to him they will be.
From the evil one’s perspective your trials are meant to destroy you. As you turn everywhere else but God they will.
See your trails through the lens of God. Hold on to God as he holds you. Ask for his wisdom. Let endurance have its perfect work. You will become complete and lacking in nothing.
Obstacles and trials are common to man. They are part of this world. You get over one and others follow.
With our Hump-Day-Wednesday we’re always looking to our Fridays. So, when you find yourself on Hump-Day, doing what comes natural to all of us, looking to Friday. I pray you’ll be reminded to naturally look to God in all your trials, big or small ones.
Today is Wednesday but rest assured Friday is a-comin’! Most importantly Christ is coming back too! To God be the glory!