Devotion - Thursday, November 17

I began reading the Book of James this morning.  Our Tuesday night bible study group considered James this fall.  The book is an encouragement to seek the wisdom of God and to follow it.  Martin Luther expressed concern that we might take some of James' comments to suggest we can merit the love and grace of God which has already been freely given.  But Lutherans should willingly embrace this book's encouragement to admit the right and then do it.

The 15th verse of the first chapter occupied my prayers this morning.  James writes, "Let no one say they are tempted by God."  

When we face difficulties, it is appropriate to cry out for a greater measure of assurance that God has not abandoned us.  In our hour of need, it may truly seem as if we are alone and abandoned.  But the wisdom of James reminds us that God is not the one who has placed this obstacle in front of us.  

Be assured - God is on your side, in all things.  However or wherever pain and hardship enter your life it is not as a result of God's actions.  God is the one taking that pain upon himself.