Daily Reading: James 1
Scripture Focus: The testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (James 1.3)
Devotional Thought: I began praying with Jim concerning a new job. He needed health benefits, better hours, and less stress. As we prayed together, opportunity after opportunity came up. Jim, however, was passed over each time. Both of us were getting discouraged. Then, almost out of the blue, an employer contacted Jim, "Are you still interested in a job?" It was a better job than he had been applying for, with better hours, and more responsibilities to match his skill set and significant experience. Praise the Lord! Both of us - and I'm sure his wife Debbie and many others! - were overwhelmed by God's goodness! Our faith certainly was boosted.
I know it doesn't always work that way, but isn't it wonderful when it does? What a boost to our faith!
Another 'Jim' - the author of the book of James in the New Testament - agreed with us. His faith, along with the faith of many other New Testament Christians, was tested over and over again. It began with the crucifixion of his Brother. When Jesus was crucified, James was not a believer, but after that grueling test and the victory of the resurrection, James' faith in his divine Brother, was molded into something strong and unwavering. His faith was to be tested through persecutions outside the church and through disappointments inside the church. In all of that James was steadfast. He became the leader of the Jerusalem church.
Ultimately, James' faith was tested through martyrdom. But, having remained faithful to the end, James received the crown of life from the hand of his Brother.
So, don't panic when your faith is stretched and the answer is delayed. Know that God is producing steadfastness in you!
Prayer: Father, it is hard to say, but thank you for the times when my faith is tested. Help me, O Lord, in my weakness and discouragement to remain true to you. By your grace may I be steadfast. And, Lord, help those whose faith is wavering. Deliver them through the trial to victory. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (Psalms 46:8-11)
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