Day 18: Wisdom

Sometimes I wonder about my faith. Oh, don't get me wrong, I always believe in God and that He is my Father, and that His son, Jesus Christ, is my Lord and Savior. I will NEVER abandon that! My heart will always be an open dwelling for the Lord. I guess I mean more along the lines of the passion of my faith. I get frustrated with myself when I just don't "feel it." Is that normal?

Anyway, as I logged in, I said a little prayer which I've said many times over the past two weeks: "God, please give me words to write." I opened up a document containing verses that I've found and that I think would make good topics for my posts. I found quite a few really good ones on patience about a week ago. As I was perusing the list, I started to use one set of verses, but the set underneath it caught my eye:

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
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.
~James 1:2-4 (KJV)

I read these three verses from James and decided that I'd rather write about them, so I copy-pasted them into this post. I read through them once more to determine exactly how I wanted to start, and that's when it hit me. "Trying of your faith worketh patience." The words stood out as clear as day, as though it was the first time I'd read them. For years, I've been praying to God to grant me with patience, but I somehow always thought of patience as something shown towards others. I had never really thought that there would be times when I needed to be patient with myself. It was really quite an epiphany for me. Maybe it's God's way of answering my prayer, albeit differently that what I expected. I'm not complaining, particularly since God knows infinitely more than I do about what's best for me (or anyone). Why should I beat myself up for something that (when I asked Him, of course) God forgave me for?

Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for this realization--it's truly wonderful. Please watch over and protect my family, friends, and pets. Please bless them as You have blessed me. Please cleanse me of my sins, and continue to guide me on Your path. And Lord, please help me to become a more patient person... toward others as well as toward myself. My heart and soul shall always be Yours, Lord, and I will serve You forever (no matter what)! In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.