“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4
No Grit, No Pearl
I can’t believe how often I slip back into my old ways of thinking and start “sportin’ a ‘tude”!
I found myself grumping and complaining about a friend from out of state who was planning to come spend two weeks with me at my home. This is one of those friends who I can enjoy for short periods of time—but two weeks? C’mon!
Well, after I fussed and fumed for a few days, I was convicted that it was me who needed changing, not the circumstances. 1 Peter 4:9 says, “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” So I decided to surrender my heart once again to the Lord. After all, hadn’t I just recently sung the song Surrender in church? Here are some of the words to that song:
“I’m giving You my heart and all that is within; /I lay it all down for the sake of You my King./I’m giving You my dreams, I’m laying down my right;/I’m giving up my pride for the promise of new life,/And I surrender all to You, all to You. . .”
It suddenly dawned on me that I needed to walk this out in this situation, since by singing these words I would otherwise be a hypocrite like God describes in Isaiah 29:13, “. . .these people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me. . .” I don’t think any of us want to be like that!
Now, I’m actually looking forward to my friend coming, and I want to do all I can to make her feel loved and welcomed. Just like that irritating grit that gets into an oyster and creates a beautiful and precious gem, God uses irritating circumstances (and people) to change us into beautiful reflections of Him, and we can walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).
“Lord, Your Word truly is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Thank You for leading me in paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake. I want to be able to hear You say at the end of my days, ‘Well done, My good and faithful servant.’ Amen.”
This is so good. Right where the rubber meets the road!
Aww, been there!! Thank you for this great reminder that the grit makes the pearl (if we sport the right ‘tude!!) It takes surrender!! Thank you.
My rock into the tired tray at the retreat was for surrender of bad attitudes toward a “sandpaper” person in my life. Your devotional hit me right between the eyes reminding me to ask God to continue to help me surrender any residual bitterness I hold onto toward this person. Thank you.