If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. James 1:5-7
What was my oldest thinking when he decided to play catch with a clementine as he was about to sit down for breakfast? He might be the greatest pitcher because a catcher he is not. The meeting of the fruit and hand did not happen. This was quite apparent when the crash was heard as the clementine connected with the plate quite violently, while his hand grasped at empty air.
I’m not sure if I said aloud, “Are you serious? How many times have I said…,” but I’m sure there were a few words as I was rolling my eyes before the humor of it all kicked in. This is when those rolling eyes become glazed over before the school day even begins.
That almost adult son of mine did what was most needed. He bust up laughing as he took in the scrambled eggs all over the floor and wall, along with everything else on his plate. I could laugh too when I took a step back and chalked it up to a lesson for him. I swear that kind of thing never happened when he was a toddler learning to eat.
You see, it might seem cruel, but I sat there enjoying my breakfast as he became the janitor and tried to find something other than the food that was now sitting in the trash. Maybe, just maybe, I let it be known how good my breakfast was with a little “yum” every now and then.
Don’t be making that look as you’re reading this. I’ve been telling him to stop messing around with his food since he was a little boy, and some direct consequences were needed. This isn’t because I don’t love him, it’s because I do!
“Where’s the grace?” you ask. Well, thank you for inquiring! I actually thought long and hard about that as I was ready to swoop in to help him clean up and get more food. It felt like I was being led to not get angry and find humor, but I should not hinder a lesson from being learned through direct consequences.
I’ve been thinking lately of my writing or the lack thereof. Was the writing missing because I didn’t know what to say, being afraid to say the wrong thing, or a direct consequence of not setting aside the time to write? Have I been incredibly busy every day? That’s quite an understatement, but being too busy to do what I feel I’m supposed to be doing isn’t just an excuse, it’s disobedience. Some self-reflection was needed in my life.
Here’s what I’m thinking…does God punish when we ask for his forgiveness, mercy, and grace? I don’t think so. I do think that he doesn’t always stand in the way of direct consequences. I believe there are times He’ll intervene on our behalf, but when there’s something we’ll learn better through the hard way, He isn’t afraid to permit that in our lives. It isn’t because He doesn’t love us, it’s because He does. There’s no way we’ll be dealing with it alone though. His wisdom and discernment are one prayer away.
So, am I able to handle the blessings that God is pouring over me or am I allowing the complications that are happening at the same time get in the way of listening to what I know He wants? Did my eyes turn away from the Source because of doubt?
When I start struggling, I do keep trying to learn and get closer to God; however, do I just sit down believing He’ll show up in the words I write? Not all the time. Intimidation, “busyness”, and lack of confidence rear their ugly heads. Does that mean the devil’s got my tongue? Probably not. He might use those to make me doubt, but it’s a direct consequence of not sitting down until the words are given to me.
I’m making up my mind to live God’s adventures, whether through opportunities or writing. (More about those adventures that have begun later.) I need to step out of the comfortable and into the new to grow. When the difficulties come, I can’t let them intimidate me, and neither should you.
Today, I challenge you to walk with one another and be the reminder to someone that it isn’t always the devil they’re fighting. Sometimes we’re simply dealing with the direct results of our actions…direct consequences! It’s not that we don’t have what it takes to overcome and succeed. We do.
This is my reminder to you…ask for wisdom, then believe and do not doubt! You have what it takes.
