During my time on vacation, I have been looking at James. It’s a great book and I have remembered why it is one of my favorites. As I read chapter 1 a few days ago, I was reminded of a summer many years ago when I worked at Hidden Acres Christian Camp as a counselor and was required to memorize this particular section of scripture. At the time, it seemed like a trial in and of itself! But looking back, it was one of the most helpful sections of scripture that I have ever hidden in my heart.
When there are things in my life that are hard, that are difficult to navigate, I often remember this particular passage.
James 1:
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;
Sea...Blown and Tossed by the Wind
8 he is a double‑minded man, unstable in all he does.
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
I currently am not experiencing hardship in my life but I know that there are seasons that come and go and clinging to God’s Word in EVERY season is what I want to be doing.
