How do you go forward in this new world  when you are not sure what to do next? 

The answer  James 1:1-8

The book of James has so much practical advice in living during frustrating times with strong spiritual truths and common sense.  The preamble to the whole chapter is found in the first eight verses.

There are two truths that the remainder book rests on.  First, you will be frustrated and challenged in your mind and heart.  So knowing that understand these struggles will make you a stronger Christian and mature you in ways that a comfortable life would not. You will also be in situations where you do not know what to do next. And to ask God for wisdom to make decisions in a new world environment.

FAITH IN FRUSTRATIONS

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Count it as joy even though it is not joyous.  You can choose to be happy about your situation because God is growing stronger in you.  You will need to control pride, anger, outbursts.  But, aren’t you suppose to do that already?  Maturity only comes through struggle.  

• Why not keep a journal of some kind to help process feelings and to consider your thoughts and prayers each day.
• Know that God is at work in the situation and in you.
• Repent when you fail and learn from the failures and God’s Grace.
• Worship God and His goodness.  His timing and plans are not ours.
• Ask and believe for wisdom.

ASK & BELIEVE FOR WISDOM

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

We are all facing a world that is beyond our experience.  Worry and fear can keep us awake at night, feeling unable to know what to do. Ask for wisdom from God.  The Bible says, “It will be given to you.”  Fact, Truth, Bible!

We have a natural ability to doubt.  We look again at the high walls of Jericho (COVET-19) and want to begin to doubt instead of following God. Believe, not feel.  Believe not hope it might be true.  Believe God is giving you wisdom through the Power of the Holy Spirit.  Rest in that truth.  Don’t waver. Someone who doubts becomes more than useless,  they become unstable,  unreliable,  driven by fear and gossip.  No, my friend…BELIEVE you are receiving wisdom from the Holy Spirit.

Personally,  in the last three years, I have faced each year a strong trial that challenged me greatly.  Before the last three years,  life seemed to move smoothly for several years then…BAM.  Three difficult situations I found myself in.  God took me to James.  I asked for wisdom.  I had to work at believing I was receiving direction from the Holy Spirit.  It was work to believe.  I had to say it out loud, “I BELIEVE YOU ARE GIVING ME WISDOM AND I RECEIVE IT!” As I walked slowly through these three events,  God helped me.  All three events are past, and I can say I have matured in my walk with Christ and my belief in God-given wisdom.

As you are reading this blog,  you will be faced with challenges this year as our nation tried to manage life with the virus.  Be a JAMES 1:1-8 student.  Manage joy in frustrations and faith for wisdom.  You will grow more mature and feel the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, helping you through your situation.  Your lightnside will burn joyfully and wise in the coming days.