Numbers 17,18; Psalms 55; Isaiah 7; James 1

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete.” James 1:1-4 NLT

I keep seeing the word endurance. Maybe it’s because God is encouraging me to move forward in areas where I feel stuck. I came across a blog at InCourage where the writer’s daughter told her that she could never run a mile. She answered, “Sure you could, you would just have to practice.” God must be speaking to me, in that the main verse in that blog is one I am reading today for 66 Books. I am not a runner. I always dreaded running the mile in middle school. And now I hear my own middle schoolers talking about it. One who thinks its a breeze and the other who would rather not be in gym class on that day. But, he does it by pacing himself. He walks/runs and is determined to finish. He has a willing heart. Sometimes I think that is all God is asking of me. When I put too much pressure on myself , he says to  slow down and  I will help you through this. Don’t give up.

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 NLT

I am thankful for the times I can look back and see how my faith has grown, which spurs me on.

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey it, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:22-25 NLT

Thank you Father for this reminder today. That you are always with me, speaking to me. Help me to listen to your voice. Help me to run my race well. Amen.

“Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the Godly to slip and fall.” Psalms 55:1&2 NLT

Amy(amyctanner)

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