James 4:14-17

Good morning girlfriends!

Another week in James flew by and I am realizing how weak I am to study God's Word when the frustrations in life hit hard: work schedules that aren't ideal, sickness, to-do lists that are ever growing. The last couple of weeks and also the next two months are going to be a flurry of such things, I think. I have had the craziest, most run-me-over type of cold that I've had in a few years. It's kept me stranded in bed sleeping as much as I could, to now not letting me sleep much through the night because of the unrelenting coughing. That, combined with working both jobs and planning somewhat frantically for all the big move details coming up (so fast!)...has left me with the usual excuse that "I couldn't find the time or energy to keep up!" You'll have to forgive me for that, because even as I say it, I know it's my biggest pet peeve excuse because in our lives, we MAKE time for what's important to us.

I confess that I haven't made time for THIS most important thing. I was a Martha this week, to the fullest extent. Lord, forgive me!!

Our section for this past week in James was just so perfect for where I'm at right now. It's a great reminder for me to keep all this planning and dreaming within God's will for me, for hubby and I. It's so difficult, when so much is soon to change and it feels as if your livelihood is at stake, to trust that God still is in control and that he wants to - and will - make the ultimate plans for us! It's wrong of me to think I can handle by myself even the trifles of my life. God sees the small areas of our lives also, the hidden places we're trying to fuddle with and make work out. He has a plan for those places too and a good one at that!
What I understood about this section in James is that my human pride and trust in myself is the main culprit for getting me into major trouble. Pride starts so much wrong and leads us away from God rather than to him! Pride makes us boastful; pride makes us think we can plan and plan and God will just bless whatever we feel like doing!; pride weakens our view of right and wrong because we start to think everything we do is right all the time.
I desperately don't want that pride in my heart. My prayer today and for hubby's and my unknown future is that I would be humble and trusting, that I would refuse to question His goodness in our life and His priority to take care of us in His best way! I want my eyes to be open to the good and right ways I ought to live and ask for more of the godly strength to live it out.

God knew I would need these of His words at this exact time in our study of James. To me, that is just a beautiful detail of His magnificent plan - that he will always give us what we need, when we need it. And the plan is already set out - God doesn't "plan as he goes". :) Thank goodness for that!!

Girls, any and all encouragement or involvement in our study is much appreciated in the next couple of weeks. I am aware of my lack of discipline in this area (still), and could use any urging and reminders to find refuge where it matters when life becomes big and busy and bothersome. And if you could say a prayer that I could heal 100% from this cold/flu thing I've got :) that would be wonderful. It feels like it's in the last stages, but I don't feel like myself yet. And this beautiful spring weather we're having is beckoning me outside for a jog and I just want the energy to do so!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Leaning hard on Him with you,
Love, Cait