It has been quite a while since I've written on here. Hope you all are doing well and having a great start to 2013. I've been thinking a lot about what is going on in my life as of right now and James 1 came to mind. The topic for today is persevering through those difficult times that life brings. It happens to everyone who's ever lived in this life.
Let's look through James 1:2-8
"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. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord: he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." -James 1:2-8 (NIV)
So what kind of attitude does God want us to have according to James 1:2-8? We all need to have a positive attitude when we go through difficult times in our lives. This does not mean that we are happy to be going through a difficult situation but that our attitude should not be the "woe is me" attitude. Life is too short to look at things from a negative perspective. We should always remember that we are blessed to live this life.
There are many reasons that we have difficult times in life. Sometimes, God allows for us to go through things to see if we will be strong in developing perseverance. Sometimes, it may be a time of maturing spiritually and in this physical life as well.
Every day we have decisions to make. Whether they are easy or hard decisions. Whatever decisions we come across in our lives and we are not sure what to do or where to turn, God is always right there with you. When we need to make an important decision or we feel confused or feel in need of wisdom, we always need to remember that we can ask God for wisdom and the understanding of knowing what to do in a certain decision.
However, when we do ask God for wisdom and we give our prayer requests to Him, we must not doubt. There are times when we become discouraged about things that happen in life and that is when the bad attitudes come into play. We should remember that God will work everything out on His time and not ours. When doubt comes and fears arise, we have to remember that no matter what the situation is we need to be patient and look toward the future and know that God has a plan for our lives. Even when we think the situation should be resolved on our agenda. Remember, God puts things in our lives for many reasons. He always will work things out for the best and how He wants things to turn out.
We may not always see right away why things happen or have the understanding of the outcome but that is where faith comes in.
In Romans 8:28 we find out what God says on how He works everything out for the good. Let's see what He says:
"and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Whatever it is you are going through remember that God works for the good in all things. It is all a part of His wonderful plan for our lives. We do not always understand why certain things happen but God wants to show us that He has something great in store. In order to see what it may be we have to strive to be patient and content in the situation we are in our lives at this moment.
My challenge for you this week is to look into your life and think about all the positive things that have happened in your life. Ask God to guide you in every aspect of your life and I assure you God will always be there. I hope this post has encouraged you as it has encouraged me also.
May God bless you and your families every day. Have a great rest of the week!
Until I write again,
Lauren
