James 4:7-10
So let God work his will in you.
Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to
God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your
inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out.
The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on
your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
Do you know someone who has
“hit bottom” in a particular area of his/her life? For some, this is a
dramatic, earth-shaking experience…the doctor tells you that you will
die if you don’t stop smoking or drinking – immediately! You find
yourself in an abusive relationship and realize that your very life
might be in danger if you don’t seek help - and quickly! Someone you
love dearly dies, and you are left feeling abandoned and empty – and
wondering which direction to go and what to do next. You lose your job
due to downsizing and/or outsourcing – or you fail that all-important
college entrance exam or final licensing test. You lose a long-awaited
baby…or the doctor tells you that you will never give birth to the child
you long for so desperately.
Any of these experiences can rattle
even the most solid Christian…and those whose faith wavers on a good
day might experience some real challenges. But I know from personal
experience with “hitting bottom” encounters that God can use these to
reconnect with us…to grow our faith and fellowship with Him…and to push
the devil farther away. Because, you see, when we “hit bottom,” this
delights Satan. He would love nothing more than to see us stay there
and wallow…to pull away from God and say, “If He really loved me and
cared about me, God would NEVER allow this to happen!” And God says,
“Nothing could be further from the truth. I’m right here with you…just
take my hand and I will pull you to safety.”
You may be in a
“hitting bottom” situation today…or things may actually be running along
pretty smoothly for the moment. Either way, this is the perfect time
to “draw near to God”, as the scriptures remind us…to reinforce your
fellowship with Him by spending some time in prayer and reflection.
Open your Bible and let God’s word speak to you…sit quietly and listen
for His voice…feel His presence and His profound love and care. Push
the devil to the curb…and leave him there as you move closer to God.
Make
this a day when you get down on your knees and then rise to your feet
with a renewed courage and hope. Say a quiet “Yes” to God today…and feel
Him work His will in you.
©2015 Debbie Robus
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