Christianity Oasis Forum

[Lani]

James 1:2-8
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.


If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. James 1:5 (NRSV)




In my home, I often come across structures made of worn sheets, books, tattered pillows and blankets, and filled with shoes and toys.

“What is this?” I ask

“Oh, that’s our house, Dad,” replies one of my daughters. “Isn’t it a great house?”

I usually scold them for having made such a mess; but on one occasion, I paused before I answered. Then I said, “Yes, Sweetheart, it’s a wonderful house.” At that moment, I realized that their imagination enabled them to look at a jumble of odd items and see a masterpiece.

God often presents us with situations that at first glance appear to be a mess, a jumble. Many of us miss the glory of what God is doing because we’ve stopped using our imagination. As children of God, we are called to walk by faith and not by sight. To become all that God desires, we must use our imagination. Walking with God asks us to look at messy situations and see the masterpieces that God is working on.



Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to see situations as you see them. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Those who seek understanding.

Thought for the Day: Where have I seen God at work in a messy situation?

Story shared by: D. Hammond (NC)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 11/26/11