How the book of James changed my focus

I have been thinking about writing a new blog for a few weeks now, I just didn't know what to write. Today I have it. Today I finished my last day in Beth Moore's James Bible Study. It has been a whirlwind. There were two specific instances during this study where I felt God gently raised my chin toward Him as his words infiltrated my soul. It was as if He was telling me from his own mouth, "You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy." (John 16:20) On the day I read those words, I thought our adoption was back at square one, as if nothing had transpired throughout this past year. I was feeling very defeated and deflated that day. He spoke his words into me in a very real way that day and I never want to forget it.

The second time I felt God's Presence was during the seventh video session. Beth Moore was talking about accepting the "beauty of the process." God wants more than just a moment with us. He is more concerned with the process and the transformation that happens inside of us during those times. She highlighted James 5:11 where it says, "See, we count as blessed those who have endured." I want to endure. I want to persevere. But more than that, I want to have joy during our wait. I want to thank God every step of the way, praising Him that he will fulfill the calling he has placed on our hearts.

As I was journaling this morning, I wrote some concluding thoughts on my James Bible Study. Here is what I wrote. I would love feedback if you want to give it.


     One of the questions Beth Moore asked on this last day was, "What do you want to do in light of what you've learned." My response was that I want my faith to be evident in my actions, not just my words. I want my faith to be rooted in Jesus and not this world.
     James spoke so much about faith and actions - I don't want to just give my faith lip-service. And I believe that is why God had me in this Bible Study during our adoption. Do I really believe God can do anything? Yes. Do I believe that God is compassionate and loving? Yes. Do I believe that God can orchestrate any situation to bring a child into our lives to adopt? Yes. Do I believe...Do I believe...Do I believe...Yes.
     Now show it.
     Stop the pity-parties and "woe is me" routine. When I perceive a road block in our adoption, trust that God is moving us forward to His best for our family.
     Where would the miracle be if everything fell into place neatly? How would God get to show us, and others, a glimpse of His power if we didn't persevere under trial?
     I want to be found faithful in ALL things when I meet Jesus face-to-face. Not by my own strength, but by God's. How can I show God to others if I don't allow Him every bit of my faith?


I do not pretend to be some theologian who expounds great thoughts on God's Word. Obviously. I just participated in a  Bible Study where I was able to dig deep into God's Word and He used it to change my life. I want to, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and trials come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." James 1:2-4, The Message