You know those old Gumby toys? I used to love playing with those. My favorite thing to do was to wrap his arms and legs all around himself and pull him every which way. Today I feel like that Gumby. Stretched so thin and twisted up so hard that I feel like I am never going to get out of it. Sometimes in the midst of the craziness I stress on what the current problem is and forget to focus on God and turn to the scriptures where all my answers are. I am always being reminded of this passage in James. It was actually the first big passage I memorized when I was in 4th grade. Today I looked it up on Bible Gateway.com to just browse through the different translations and see how it was worded. I found this New International Readers Version and liked how it broke it down.
James: 1: 2-8 My brothers and sisters, you will face all kinds of trouble. When you do, think of it as pure joy. 3 Your faith will be put to the test. You know that when that happens it will produce in you the strength to continue. 4 The strength to keep going must be allowed to finish its work. Then you will be all you should be. You will have everything you need.
5 If any of you need wisdom, ask God for it. He will give it to you. God gives freely to everyone. He doesn't find fault.
6 But when you ask, you must believe. You must not doubt. People who doubt are like waves of the sea. The wind blows and tosses them around. 7 A man like that shouldn't expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 He can't make up his mind. He can never decide what to do.
Apparently I have been doubting because I definately feel like that last line and feel blown and tossed all over the place!!! Guess I need to fix that huh?!? ;)
3 comments:
It's just so hard to remember that isn't it?
"You must not doubt."
Of course you're going to doubt, you're human! And life is HARD for you right now.
Hang in there SJ. *hugs*
I have so FELT that way last night and this morning...plagued with doubts...thanks for the encouragement from the Word that this testing of my faith WILL produce the strength to continue. I needed these words this morning....thank you!!!!
****HUGS****
I'm having one of those really down days, and when I read this, it just filled me. Thank you.
It also brought to mind MY favorite passage, which, I'm sad to say, I haven't read in a LONG time. But I thought I'd share it with you, since your's helped me, maybe mine will inspire you in some way. (I love the whole passage, but these two verses always speak to me the most.)
Psalm 91
2. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.
4. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt though trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
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