That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord. (James 1:7)
Vicky had suffered for years with chronic pain in her lower back. Despite seeing multiple doctors, chiropractors, and occupational therapists, she experienced no relief. She had come to accept that this condition would never leave her. During a prayer meeting, an older man approached her and said, “I feel impressed that you need to forgive someone.” She dismissed the admonition until another stranger came up to her and said the same words. She began to think of people against whom she had nurtured grudges over the years. She said in her heart, “Lord, I need to forgive these people.” As she finished these words, she felt a warmth at the top of her spine that descended to her lower back, taking with it all the physical pain she had experienced for years.
James tells us that the person who wavers and does not act in the wisdom the Lord provides should not expect to receive anything from Him. Wisdom, in order to bear fruit, must be met with obedience.
When Vicky held on to her grudges over the years, she was walking down a path of disobedience. When she realized that that was what she was doing, and chose to obey, she experienced healing from the Lord. Rationalization covers a multitude of sins. Don’t let unconfessed disobedience hinder God’s blessings in your life.
Search your heart for hindrances to pray and confess them.
Doug Schmidt is a freelance content developer living in Denver. His favorite thing to do is to sit in comfortable chairs and “download the day” with his wife.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
