my movie

Since this past summer, Jerod and I have gone through many trials- air conditioner broke, both of our laptops are toast, the Jeep's transmission went out, our indoor heating unit broke, someone to come fix it again $250, Jeep's flat tire $95, best friend got married and moved, and then there are always the in and out things in our daily life together as newly married couple.

And in case we wondered if God was trying to teach us something we began a study of James as a church. Convenient huh? It was just what we needed! And James talks about it right at the beginning; James do not let us miss it! "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of many kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-3

I've found that over the past several months I've been watching my own movie. As things are happening, God is allowing me to see Him change me and open my eyes to what He has for me almost as its happening. I see moments of sin and moments of joy, times were I need to be quiet, times were He's given me the strength to speak truth and the more I seek Him, the sooner I realize His work in my life. I play back the scenes and see where I went wrong, where God extended grace to me, where God convicted me, where He was evident in my life.

I've noticed this lately too- when I take my eyes off of other people and I ask the Lord to show me what I need to learn or see in a situation, then I'm able to see clearly and know more what it is I'm to do. If I walk around only praying for others and not for myself then I'm not practicing humility. I need Jesus. Trials in my life remind me of my great need for a Savior! We can not go at this life alone.

Even trials that go beyond money, trials with friends, family, coworkers, etc. Conflict is another reminder of my need for Jesus, especially conflict with those who do not love Jesus. Before I loved Jesus, He died for me, He loved me, He forgave me- Romans 5:8. How much more so ought we extend the grace that has been given to us with those who do not love Jesus? What mercy and love is this? How wonderful! When we see our great need for a Savior, we respond differently, we react differently.

I'm praying for the Lord to provide opportunities for me to share the Gospel, for the Holy Spirit to guide me in that process. I desire so much to be bold, but also to earn the write to speak into someones life and tell them the best news they will every hear! It is hard though- when you pray God responds. Am I ready for this? The Bible calls us to be ready to share the hope we have- 1 Peter 3:15. I need to be ready; I need to feed myself, as Pastor Tyler says.

"Although I am less than the least of all of God’s people, this grace was given to me: to preach to the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." Ephesians 3:8

dmj.