“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.” James 1:2-4 (TLB)

 Squirm Room

I laughed out loud when I read the words in the Living Bible “don’t try to squirm out of your problems”! God knows me so very well! If there is squirm room, I will try to get out of my problems and uncomfortable circumstances. If I could only learn patience, there is an added benefit of strength of character. That sounds worth it, doesn’t it? However, in the midst of the trials and difficult financial circumstances, especially at Christmas time, “worth it” seems way down there at the end of the tunnel with patience and strong character: far, far away!

I am learning, however, that if I complain, I hear the voice of Job saying, “You speak like a foolish woman! Shall we accept only good from God and not the bad?” I am mindful, again, that we accept ALL things as from the hand of God. All things have to cross HIS desk for HIS stamp of “no” or “not yet,” or HIS royal and righteous “okey-dokey.” I am learning to accept with joy all of His decisions, knowing that I may not like my circumstances, but with my proper response He will cause them to work together for HIS good purpose, for now or for eternity.

If you can relate to my squirming, and trying to manipulate my problems, please join me this season as we learn together not to squirm but to relax and be thankful.

God reminds us to be patient when our path is rough because He is at work in our lives. So let’s stop squirming, and develop that thankful heart that will make God smile! I love the thought of making God’s heart happy. To quote Job again, in verse 42:2: “I know that YOU can do everything and that no purpose of YOURS can be withheld from YOU.”

The Holy Spirit taught us through the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18,“Be thankful for ALL things, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” We are always seeking God’s will and here it is: Just be thankful for ALL circumstances during Christmas season and throughout the year. Let’s DO this!

 “Thank You Lord, for Your holy presence in our lives. Keep us mindful of Your great gift of grace in Christ Jesus as we celebrate His birth and look forward to His return.”