James 1:2-8 The Voice (VOICE)
If I have a difficult task ahead of me I always find comfort when I don’t have to go it alone. The spiritual life is like that for me. I may face some difficulties in life, but I do not have to endure them alone; I have a spiritual family who is always there for me. In fact, I don’t have to rely on my own wisdom to navigate through the difficult times. God has offered to give me his wisdom and strength so I can make it to the finish line; spiritual maturity. I just need to ask God for help and remain single-minded in my commitment to him. Are you going through some hardships? This passage is for you!
James 1:2-8
2-4 Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. 5 If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it; and God will grant all that you need. He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking.
6 The key is that your request be anchored by your single-minded commitment to God. Those who depend only on their own judgment are like those lost on the seas, carried away by any wave or picked up by any wind. 7 Those adrift on their own wisdom shouldn’t assume the Lord will rescue them or bring them anything. 8 The splinter of divided loyalty shatters your compass and leaves you dizzy and confused.
Prayer: Lord, for everyone who is going through difficult times, may you use that pressure to make every person strong. Keep me patient as I ask for help with my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.