Day 5 –  This, That- Life On Your Toes

Bible Reading – James 5

It’s the audacity for me. I’m midway through a gym session, catching heavy breaths and struggling to ascertain whether this body is still my own, and then this gym instructor comes and boldly calls out a next set of five things to do.  What’s interesting though is how these new five very different things- each focused on a different set of muscles in the body- are combined into one set.  Here I am doing this, then stop it to do that, then pick up this other one to do this, then drop it to pick up that other one to do that.

This, then that, then this other one, then that other one, then this…

Doesn’t that feel like the rhythm of life and living?  It’s alot of this and then that and then that and then that, and each one requiring a specific response and action.

Reading through our passage today, we’re strongly reminded about how each situation in life invites us to a different response. James leaves us with the challenge to live on our toes and be responding right in every situation. 

He gives instructions as to how to act in regard to economic realities (v 1-6), in regard to God’s promises and our expectations (v 7-12), in dealing with fallen brethren (v 19-20). But then, in-between all that, we have some quick instructions:

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.  Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  James 5:13-15 NKJV

I read this and I realize that there is a specific right action for every situation I face, and I want to live my life doing that- whether its suffering, sickness or joy, there is what I should do. 

Relating with non-christians. Raising my children. Handling a course I don’t understand. My service in church. Winning a conversation with my parents. Preparing for my wedding. Trying to earn more money.

This. That. This. That. Each one testing a different set of muscles, but each one has a what I should do!

I don’t want to be so big on what I once did that I miss what I should be doing in the now. As situations change from day to day, the demands shift on us, and the requirements and expectations also. 

Let’s take the challenge to be people who do what we should per time. Let’s pray to be people who respond right to every situation. Its not about glorying in what’s past. Its about living up to what’s here.

Maybe you’re faced with a situation right now and you feel you don’t know what to do. I’ll tell you what- there is a right response that God expects of you! And He is willing to lead you in it if you would pray.

I want to live my life on my toes.  I want to be like the guy working out in the gym. This, then that, then this, then that, then that other one, then this other one… But doing what I should with each!

What do you need help in meeting up with today or in this season of your life? I’ll love to pray for you.

PS. I pray SurgeACTION has been a blessing to you. Let’s stay strong in God’s word till our next Surge series starting on December 1. You can get help and more resources at sycamore.church/resources