“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them,” James 4:17, NIV.
Have you ever made plans to do something, yet when the time came to do it you were either sick, injured or just feeling blah?
Of course you have. We all have.
I can tell you about a season in my life where my health prevented me from planning anything. It was definitely a discouraging time. I really hated letting people down or not being able to fulfill my commitments.
Yet, as the years passed, my relationship with Jesus grew, regardless of how I was feeling. I was getting to know the King of kings up close and very personal. One time He actually healed me last minute, allowing me to join my husband on our planned trip, which the day before found me unable to get out of bed without experiencing vertigo. I learned that I needed to ask for more “miracles.”
As the years passed, I learned what was making me so ill, so it seemed like all my cancellations were a thing of the past.
God’s enemy Satan also wants to prevent me from doing any of the things God has asked me to do. He will use the physically weakest parts of me to slow me down. So, either I get sick or injured. I have chronic GERD and a trick ankle due to too many years of long-distance running. My ankle gives out on me from time to time—and it so often happens right before a prayer walk!
Yes, there are times in which I am truly sick or injured. But I’m talking about those times when there is something I know I need to do for God, because it’s the right thing to do. And in those situations, if I feel ill or hurt, I need to just push through it—and just show up to my assignment.
A friend once said, “Just. Show. Up.” Something happens when God’s kids obey; God shows up too! We have to push through those moments of resistance and do what’s right.
“Resist the devil and he will flee. Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you,” James 4:7, NIV.
Such a great truth and promise. I have seen Jesus fulfil this promise in my own life countless times. He does show up when we do! He wants us to succeed in doing what’s right. So often I don’t have strength because I have forgotten to ask for help.
I quote J.Hudson Taylor often because it’s true:
“God’s work, done in God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.”
It’s not just financial help that God supplies but mental, physical and emotional strength as well. If we ask and draw near to Him, He supplies what’s needed.
When was the last time you “showed up” even when you didn’t want to because you knew it was the right thing to do?
Father,
Help us to push through those days of fatigue or the blahs, to do what You have called us to do. To do Your right thing.
We often have not because we ask not—I am so guilty of not asking for strength and giving in to weakness. Yet, I know You are there every time I ask— “The joy of the LORD is my strength!” Neh. 8:10.
Thank You for being so willing to help the weak. We struggle, Father. Help us to be better at keeping our word and drawing strength from You to fulfill our promises and Your calling.
You are our everything, Thank You.
Amen.
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