My Beloved Savior, when I turn on the TV or read from a magazine or newspaper, I read about things that are promoted as new, improved, fantastic and capable of changing my life. For only a few dollars, I can be cleaner, whiter, more glamorous or happier. Before an election, I can hear glowing promises that I now know will never be fulfilled. People can make great claims about being Christians but their actions betray their dark hearts. While professing a trust in You, they cling tightly to the world and its values. While possessing all of the right answers, they contradict their faith by what they do. What You are showing me is that it is not enough to talk about faith, but to actually act on it. The proof of Your working in my life is my living by my faith. The outgrowth of a vibrant faith is good works. No longer can I remain on the sidelines … I must enter the playing field … and live out my faith.
Your Word tells me that faith without works is dead. When I do not feel myself growing in faith, I must check my spiritual pulse to insure I’m not spiritually dead. When I face trials, I must ask myself if I’m seeking the answers of the world or calling upon You to provide me with solutions. What I must strive for in my darkest hours is to maintain a positive outlook. I can do that when I know You are by my side, because You provide me with the hope for a better day. If I lack wisdom, I should ask You to help me make wise decisions during trying times. Because of the knowledge I receive from You, I know I do not need to grope around in darkness hoping to stumble upon an answer I need. When I ask You for a measure of Your wisdom, I know I can count on You to help me make wise choices. To get the most from Your wisdom requires that I respect You and apply Your answers in living righteously.
To believe and not doubt means not only believing that You exist, but You love me and care about what happens to me. It means relying on You and expecting that You will hear my pleas and respond. I realize that You do not grant every thoughtless or selfish request I make. I must seek to align my desires with Yours before I pray. I become double-minded when I waver and am not convinced that Your way is the best for me. I cannot take Your Word as human advice that I can accept or reject. I must believe it is true … every word of it … and that it’s not for my taking or leaving. A true belief in You requires my loyalty and allegiance. To stabilize my thoughts, when I waver, I must fix my mind on You and Your “rock solid” Word. When I pray, I must do it believing and, thereby, give no place for doubt to creep in. For all these reasons, I accept Your challenge to be more for You. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know the trying of your faith develops perseverance.