Seeking...

Today's sermon was on Seeking Wisdom. James 1 was the basis for this text and I just happened to have read all of James 1 several times this week seeking comfort and help from the scriptures. James 1:2-5 says "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:12 says "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

This week a friend sent me an email devotional from www.walkintheword.com and it was on this very scripture. I hope I can legally copy some of it to share with you because it is so good.

The following is from August 24th called Protect Your Joy
James 1 tells us that above all other human traits, endurance is the characteristic that God is trying to build into your life and mine. Perseverance. Steadfastness. Keep on going. Continue making and keeping the commitments of life. No matter how hard, don't quit.

Endurance is the funnel through which all Christian virtue flows. If God can just get me to not be a quitter, He can get every other good thing into my life. If I won't quit my marriage and I won't quit my kids and I won't quit my job and I won't quit my church and I'm not going to run around thinking the grass is greener somewhere else; I'm going to believe, this is where God has me! This is where I'm going to put down roots and plant my life and make a difference; if I'll stay right here under the pressure, it's unbelievable what God could do in my life. But I've got to be willing to commit for the long haul in order for God's trials to have their purpose in my life.
I want to share a cool related verse in James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life."

While I think there are literal crowns that we'll receive from the Lord, I'd like to suggest that the "crown of life" means the quality of life which God promises to those who love Him. If you endure, if you stand the test, there'll be a better life for you on the other side of this trial. Your best and most fruitful days are ahead. Your most God-glorifying days are ahead. God has a purpose for every difficult thing that you face, and if you hold up under it you're going to receive the "crown of life." It's a quality of life that comes to those who successfully pass the test - those who love Him. For some people it will be in eternity, but for most people it'll be at some point later in this life. Protect your joy - remain under the pressure and don't let this trial steal what's ahead.

This is me again. Aren't those great words? When thoughts of not being able to handle another day overwhelm me I think of what's in store for us after this is over. I am looking forward to that which he has for us. Still praying for a good and complete work of healing to be done in Isaac. (I pray for a miracle. I may be disappointed some days but like James says Perseverance, it's all about perseverance. Never give up hope, never give up praying for that miracle, never give up getting up and doing it all again each day! So with that I go make supper and prepare for our second week of school.