God Listens Well
Category: Christian Living
Unstable, No Wisdom
I often quote James 1:5. God has taught me much about prayer, so I have no trouble asking God. I love that He gives “generously to all without reproach”. However, I get a bit stuck at verse 6. I must ask without doubting.
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:6-8
I fear that I will mess up God’s wisdom and make some kind of mistake. With that attitude I “must not suppose that I will receive anything from the Lord.” That alone is pretty depressing. However, Matthew 17:30 tells me that I only need faith the size of a mustard seed. The size of my faith isn’t the important part. Trusting that God will keep His promise is the key.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for always keeping Your promises. Please remove my doubt so I can be strengthened by Your wisdom.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Path of Life
What Sticks
People spend a lot of time and money on plans. Planning is a good concept, but Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that the only ones that stick are the plans of God. Does this mean we don’t make plans? No, there are plenty of times where the Bible tells us to be prepared (1 Peter 3:15, Proverbs 6:8; 24:27). As a believer I prayerfully make plans and remember that God is in control.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for making plans that will stand. Please help me to make plans that are in line with Your will.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Glad Rejoicing
Fervently Seeking
This passage in Jeremiah is ultimately written to the nation of Israel. However, I think the concept of fervently seeking God is applicable to New Testament believers today. After all, 1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us that everything we do should be for the glory of God.
We have no trouble earnestly seeking what we want. Unfortunately, our strong desires do not always start with our Heavenly Father. The blessings in Jeremiah were conditional. God gives us some conditions in the New Testament. 1 John 1:9 tells us that if we confess our sins God will faithfully forgive. The condition is our confession.
We won’t know or understand what God wants unless we fervently seek Him. God is worth the time and effort.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the conditions and provisions You give us in the Bible. Please help us to seek You fervently.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Not Shaken
Do It!
As a child of God, I consider reading and studying the Bible to be very important. I attend church regularly to hear the preaching and teaching of the Bible. James 1 reminds us that we shouldn’t only “hear” (or read) God’s Word; we should put action to what we hear. James 1:25 tells us that if we act on what we are told, we are blessed in that action. God never lies.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the many instructions You give us in Your Word. Please guide us to hear and act on Your commands.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Pleasant Places
Fear and Shame
The last three weeks I have had to fight fear over a “lump” that I found. This felt similar to what I had 2 ½ years ago. I had visions of surgery and potentially other treatment. As I made diagnostic appointments (and waited about 1 ½ weeks to go to the appointments), I chose this verse. There is worry involved in medical issues. I had to pray my way through allowing God whatever He chose.
Praise the Lord, he allowed me to only have 2 cysts and a non-malignant spot. No surgery or medical treatment needed. I am grateful for God’s kindness in allowing this news.
I have prayed many times in recent years that I am willing and able to endure whatever God asks of me. I was wrestling with that prayer before finding out the prognosis. I appreciate these verses. Seeking God helps deliver us from our fears. I know that I can feel shame as I wrestle with my fears – verse 5 reminds us that we can be radiant and unashamed as we look to God.
The simple reminder is to seek God and I can be delivered. The difficult reality is that I need to keep working hard to give my fears and worries to God and leave them there. I am glad God is patient and kind in providing for my weakness.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for closing this chapter in health issues. Please help me to continue to give all of my fears to You. Please help me to encourage others to do the same.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
God is so good.
Pleading in Prayer 