“When You’ve Done All…YOU STAND”
Devotional for Monday, November 20, 2017
by Dona Hake
James 1:2-4 (TLB)
“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations?
Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience
has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to
squirm out of your problems. For when your patience
is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for
anything, strong in character, full and complete.”
When we face the challenges of this life we must do all that we know to do and then….WE STAND. Today we are meditating on the power of patience, and the part it has to play in our walk of faith, and how it will strengthen us as we refuse to be moved in the midst of a trial.
Ephesians 6:13 AMP Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].
I don’t know about you but sometimes the “not squirming” part can be very hard to resist! The impatient man will always squirm when they want out of a situation as quickly as possible. James clearly understood the soulish tendencies of man, and how one thinks when his or her faith is being tested. We see from this scripture that in those times that circumstances seem to be stretching us to uncomfortable positions in our soul that God is doing a wonderful work within us…if we permit Him to do so.. When we are looking to God in the midst of any trying circumstance , we can be assured that He is at work in us no matter how trying it may be. I believe the Lord desire that we seek to attain all the wisdom we can get in the midst of any storm, and He desires that we be perfected in our patience.
Think about an area of your life that you seem a bit challenged in the realm of patience. We all have an area or two that we can identify where our patience needs some growing. I once again encourage you to take that area to God, and ask Him with a humble heart to help you. As you take that particular thing to the Lord admit that you are weak, and you need His help. Determine yourself that with God’s help you will get through whatever trial you may be facing, and at the end of the day you will be a stronger person, stronger in character, full and complete!
Philippians 2:13 (TLB)
“For God is at work within you, helping you obey him, and then helping you do what he wants.”
“For God is at work within you, helping you obey him, and then helping you do what he wants.”