Thursday, October 14, 2010

"FACING GOD WHEREVER YOU ARE"

James 5:13a "Those who are in trouble......"

Trouble is part of life, but in the midst of it all we have a choice. We can allow God to use it to mold us into who He wants us to be, or we can allow it to beat us down into something less than God’s will for us. James says we choose the outcome of our troubles by turning toward God in their midst. “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray.”

When there isn't enough money to pay the bills...PRAY. When the storm rolls through and you have an accident on the freeway... Your roof leaks and destroys your carpet and furniture....or your business goes bankrupt, James says PRAY. When your friend is acting like a jerk and destroying your friendship, or your children are in rebellion....James urges us to face God in that time of trouble.

“When the rug is being pulled out from under your life, pray!” That is not too difficult to understand, but notice what is not said. You can search the entire Bible, and you will not find the verse you would like to be there. “Is any of you in trouble? Pray and God will take that trouble away!” It simply isn’t there, no matter how much we would like it to be. As a matter of fact, remember James 1:2-4. Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way (not if, but when), let it be an opportunity for joy! For when your faith is tested, your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."

The only way we are going to see His work in our lives....if we live out our days facing Him. In our best days and our worst days, when we are on top of the mountain or in the lowest valley, God longs for us to live in fellowship with Him. Prayer gives us that opportunity.

Father, we know that all things work together for good to those who love You, and are called according to Your purposes. Lord, I lay all my troubles before You and ask that You would show me what's right when I can only see what's wrong. Help me to make praise to You.....my first reaction to every event in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Have a great week in the LORD.
Sharon

2 comments:

  1. Thank you, Sharon! That's exactly where I am today, nights and early morning hours spent praying, and shedding a few much-needed tears. Hold nothing back from our Father--come humbly, yet confidently, the His throne of grace!!

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