Conviction

I must say James is my favorite book of the Bible. I love how blunt he is, even more than Paul. I also love how he challenges me in my spiritual growth. I don't know how many times I've read this book or studied it, but recently I started watching a Bible study on James taught by Francis Chan. He is a wonderful teacher. His teaching style really works well with my learning style evidently because as I sat listening to James chapter 2 verses 11-26, I was so convicted.

The passage is faith without works. We have all heard it before. Faith without works is dead, but I thought I was doing okay. I help at church right? I used to work in a Christian preschool. I try to be a good person and show Jesus' love. But is that enough? What am I really doing to show my faith? Who am I talking to? How am I helping people?

Let's face it, I am like a lot of Christians today, I go to church for me. I want to learn and fellowship and grow but I am not sharing what I learn. I am a selfish Christian. I have even declined to help in the nursery on a regular basis because I didn't want to miss service. Yet, there are young mother's out there who need to be able to sit and hear the sermon even more than I do.

How hard is it to stop and help someone in need or offer to pray for or with someone? Unfortunately I have hidden in my comfort zone for a long time and it is hard to break free, but I must. Now it is seeking God to present opportunities.

I do know God has called me to be a prayer warrior. He has impressed that upon me time and time again in awesome ways. Unfortunately, most days my prayer time only goes through my family. I have a prayer closet and journal, now I need to incorporate time to pray for more than my family. I know there are a lot of hurting people in my town and all over the world.

I also need boldness, I am an introvert after all. I prefer to have my nose stuck in a book with a cup of tea in a quiet place all by myself, but I am going to do this. This is another way I can grow closer to my Lord and maybe help someone else grow closer as well.

I have taken a step towards this. At work a lady came into the station wanting to know what we do. So I told her. She then said she needed prayer. I did offer to pray for her. Truthfully, I almost didn't. You know I had a lot work to do and the whole comfort zone thing. Then I remembered what God is telling through James. So I told her I would pray for her...right now. She burst out crying and told me her story. It broke my heart. I prayed. I offered to pick her up for church if she wanted me to (she was not satisfied with the one she was attending and didn't have an operational car). I gave her my number and told her she could stop by the station anytime. Will I hear from her again? I don't know, but I hope I do. But as she left the station she did have a smile on her face. I also put her on my prayer list and I will pray for her everyday. I know God can help her through this very difficult time.

Father, thank You for the opportunity with this lady. Be with her and comfort her. Heal her broken heart and bring joy back to her. Thank You for challenging me and helping me to do what You want me to do. In Jesus Name, Amen.