James.

Being 39 weeks pregnant and miserable it is easy to become frustrated and mad with absolutely everything around me. Lately it has been hard to wake up in a fantastic mood. I hurt all over, and I can barely do anything all day everyday. It is just a waiting game at this point. Waiting for Baby G to make his/her grand entrance.

This morning I had a heavy heart to open the Bible and read about patience. I always do love when I feel the need to do this. I try and do this everyday but lately I have slacked. I turned to the back of my Bible and looked up verses on patience. I was quickly drawn to James. Now I am ashamed to say it but I really don't know much about James. I have never been the person in Bible Study to be able to name everyone and say what they have done. I have a lot of homework to do. Although all God wants for us is our thirst for His word. He is not worried that I have yet to know something. As long as I am striving to get closer to Him, that is good enough.

James basically writes a How-To section on being a good Christian. He states that is faith without good deeds means nothing. It is our faith and our actions that show we are true followers. James gives us insight on how to live a faithful life and lean on God. I was first draw to James 1:2-5. "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way consider it an opportunity for great joy. FOr you know that when you 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, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you." Also to James 1:12-14. "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation." And remember when you are being tempted DO NOT SAY God is tempting me. God has never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from OUR OWN desires which entice us and drag us away." I have an application Bible so there are more explanations for this that help with our understanding. Temptation comes from our evil desires inside us NOT from God. God allows Satan to tempt people, however in order to refine their faith and to help them grow in their dependence on Christ.

I know. This is a lot to take in. I could read this paragraph over and over and still not understand the magnitude of it. It makes my heart happy. To know that when I am tempted I HAVE to lean on Christ. The devil is sitting there laughing at me when I am tempted and I have to call out to my Lord. With my lack of patience lately I have been tempted to turn away from God. To be mad that He is letting me feel this pain and not yet delivering my baby. When in reality I need to be calling on Him to help me through this challenging time. That only He can save me from my inner selfishness. I don't know when the best time for my baby to come out is. Only He knows. I am blaming him, when He is doing what is best for me. When I lean on my own understanding and Earthly desires it can only end up to be detrimental for everyone involved. When I seek Him and ask for His wisdom and understanding only good comes from it.