30 Days of Praise Day 30 James 2:14

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?”

James 2:14

We’ve been studying the book of James at church recently and the topic yesterday was faith. It was thought provoking, inspiring and convicting.

As most of my friends know, we’ve been trying to get pregnant going on almost 6 years. The heavy emotions that accompany infertility are impossible to explain, and like other trials, we question God’s intentions for allowing us to go through suffering. If we’re not careful, the roots of bitterness and anger can quickly take hold of our hearts and lives, rendering us useless for the kingdom of God and choking out growth.

Throughout the first chapter, James speaks of suffering and how we should rejoice when we experience trials of many kinds. And then in chapter 2, discusses how crucial it is to have “faith that works.” As I was sitting in church yesterday, that concept was that much more confirmed in my heart.

If I claim to believe God-that He is perfect, without sin, loving, caring, kind, with plans for my life, knows the number of hairs on my head, that his thoughts of me are more than the sands of the seashores-than the “work” of that belief or faith is trust. It’s knowing that although I don’t understand what He’s doing in my life, He has a plan. He has it all worked out. He has never let me down before, He has never intentionally hurt me, He is my Father, Savior, and the Lover of my Soul. And if I believe that is true, then His plan is PERFECT. And I want to rest in that peace. I want to live that peace. I want to close my eyes and lie down in my Savior’s arms and have him carry me in the direction He would have me go. I want my faith to be strong enough to endure the flames of trials without crumbling to ash at the first sign of heat. I want my faith to be not only evident to those around me; I want it to SHINE with the glory of God.

And if nothing else during this trial and this time of waiting, I want to be an example to those around me, a message of hope and the enduring truth that God is in control. Just because our finite minds think or our foolish lips speak otherwise, HE IS GOD. That never changes. He is absolute, indefinite, and eternal and my insignificant little life with all of its baggage and hurts and joys is not too much for him.

Although it might mean that the end result won’t be what I’m expecting, I’m pushing aside the paralyzing fear of being vulnerable (which is ironic since He already so utterly consumes me and knows me better than I know myself), I’m opening up my heart, stripping my soul bare and allowing His will to be done in my life. I am jumping off the cliff, knowing that His arms will catch me.

I’m choosing to live my faith.