Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Perseverance”
Our Bible verse for today: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Make the best decision you can and move-on.”
One of the greatest challenges we have when trying to persevere through difficult times is figuring out the right thing to do. If the situation is complex and difficult it’s often hard to know for sure the best way to handle it. And then, if once those decisions have been made and the difficulties continue for some extended period of time, it’s easy to second guess ourselves and wonder if we made the right choice.
In James 1:5 James urges us to take those situations to God and ask Him for wisdom to handle it well. I appreciate the insight Pastor John MacArthur offers on this verse in the study notes of the MacArthur Study Bible:
“James’ Jewish audience recognized this as the understanding and practical skill that was necessary to live life to God’s glory. It was not wisdom of philosophical speculation, but the wisdom contained in the pure and peaceable absolutes of God’s will revealed in His Word and lived out. Only such divine wisdom enables believers to be joyous and submissive in the trials of life. God intends that trials will drive believers to greater dependency on Him, by showing them their own inadequacy. As with all His riches, God has wisdom in abundance available for those who seek it.”
When faced with tough decisions about difficult and complex problems, take it to the Lord, lay it at His feet, pray for wisdom, and then make the best decision you can with the information available to you.
Then trust Him. Once your decision is made, move forward and don’t look back. Trust that He gave you the wisdom you needed. Now get up, get going, and walk-it-out.
Solomon spoke to this as well when he wrote in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Looking backwards and second guessing your decisions can be one of the most demoralizing and damaging things you can do as you are striving to persevere through a time of difficulty. So pray hard, make the best decision you can with the information available, keep moving forward, and trust the Lord.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 