Our scripture for the Daily Devotional today is taken from James 1:2-11. In business, employers look to hire people with previous experience. When decisions need to be made, experienced leaders and personnel are more likely to make good judgments for a profitable outcome.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] 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. 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.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they 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 will fade away even while they go about their business.”
So often we apply the theory and worldly mindset about things to our lives. Instead of us living under the laws and rules of the Kingdom of God, we slip up, making decisions in our own understanding. We also try to use our own strength to muscle through a circumstance.
Social media like Facebook and Twitter are filled with examples of people reacting to comments or statements by another person. Sometimes we are replying to a total stranger that we have never met. We quickly in the heat of the moment respond or start a discussion before considering everything.
Jesus was a great example of how to respond when being accused. When being condemned and accused, He kept quiet, responding factually at the right moment.
We live in a world with many more connections than ever before. Let us wisely bring concerns, situations, and decisions before God in prayer first. If we haven’t heard the answer, be patient and continue to pray. When we hear the answer, be confident in God’s timing and word.
Dear Father,
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen