What's Missing?

But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. James 1:22 (Amplified Bible)

I am a learner and a listener by nature. I love to hear truth and I take it in quite easily. I am also a talker and a teacher by nature and love to give out what I have taken in. When I learn something new I can’t wait to share it with others. Communication, whether written or spoken, is where a huge part of my gifting and calling reside. That is one of the reasons I enjoy writing and sending out email devotionals. Sharing with others what God is teaching me, showing me, and instilling in me is exciting even at early morning hours.

For the past five years I have been on a constant motion of learning truth and sharing truth, but God has begun to nudge me to add something that has been missing. In the midst of learning and in the midst of sharing, I am also to be DOING the very things I am taking in and giving out. If not, I am missing a big part of the whole reason to know truth. A person who is presently working with me in some personal areas, is constantly saying to me, “Practice what you preach!” She knows that real change will come as I apply and practice what I am learning. Too often, I can be like the person who learns a lot about skiing through courses, books, and instructors but has yet to put on a pair of skis and head for the slopes….let alone go down them once I am there!

When is it evident that I am not living out the things about which I am talking? When difficulties hit, when life gets hard, when emotions run wild, when insecurities surface, when failures persist, when disappointments come. What I choose to do at THOSE times reveals how much application of truth is really taking place. If my tendency is to still run to others with questions, heartaches, and hard issues, then I am not yet seeing God as my shelter, provider, protector, and counselor. If difficulties lead me to wrap myself in pity and condemnation, I have not yet begun to see God as my healer and comforter.

A first step for me is asking God to soothe me in a place that hurts. To strengthen me in a moment of weakness. To guide me in a time of confusion. Bringing each issue and emotion to Him and being a recipient of His grace, mercy, peace, and help. Learning to crawl under the shadow of His wings and knowing at that moment that I am where I belong.

Father, so often my devotionals can seem like someone else’s words. They are foreign rather than familiar to me because what I am saying is not always what I am doing when life gets hard. Help me to make Your truths a part of my every day walk. I need the change that You are offering me. Amen.

Power of Your Love - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQg6sk5B3qY

Fixing my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith!