Saturday, March 23, 2013 - 2:40 pm

Well, I've been sick all week, and haven't felt up to journaling, but I want to get back to it. Much of this week, I've had plenty of time to practice patience and persistence - it seems to be my theme this week as well as last, what with waiting to get well, waiting to get back to work, waiting to visit with friends, waiting at the doctor's office, and all that comes, and doesn't come, with being sick. At least I've finished reading the book of James, and been reminded of a few things. I know that when I'm tired and sick, sometimes it's easier to get frustrated and speak in ways I later wish I hadn't. James 3 warns against this sort of thing, I believe, particularly in verses 2, 6, 8, 9 and 10. Rather than reacting to situations, I need to curb my tongue, give the matter to God and ask Him to give me an appropriate response. I need to recognize and admit when my words have not lined up with that. I remember reading in James 1:5 that if I lack wisdom and ask God for it without doubting, He is sure to give it to me. So when I'm feeling unwise and asking God for His wisdom, what is it I'm asking for, and how can I recognize when He has given it to me? James 3:17 says, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." Even when I'm feeling tired and sick, this is the way I want to respond. James 5 also talks about patience and persistence, in verses 7-11. It seems like the slower going of my reading and journaling, the week of sickness and the theme on my mind have been timed perfectly, despite, or perhaps because of, my having to wait a week to realize it. Thank God that in His wisdom He doesn't make mistakes, but uses every circumstance for His glory!