Read: James 1:12-15

James is encouraging his readers to stick with God through hard times. He says they can take comfort in knowing that hard times can serve us rather than harm us - that God uses hard times to mature us. For character to grow depth, we need to hang in and not shortcut what God is doing, by asking God to supply wisdom which helps us make choices that keep us on track, or to help us get back on track in our relationship with him.

James paints a picture of what awaits the Christian who stays faithful - a crown of life. This is the "trophy" given to the winning athlete at the end of a sports contest. It is the prize for finishing the race - the podium moment.

Life would be a lot easier if it is like the race in a stadium, with tracks neatly, civilly marked out and laid out. But life is more like a scavenging expedition through unfamiliar territory full of hazards. And everyday, we have to make a hundred decisions to see if we are on the right track, or if we need to find our way back on track. Sticking with it means checking our bearings constantly, praying for wisdom always, and being quick to change course when we are off it.

When we do stray off course, James says, it would not be God who leads us off course. We stray because we don't like being told what route to run. We stray because we have appetites that rule our choices, and lures us off course to find things that feel better. We stray because we rather do what we want, than what God wants. We stray because of the self-centred desires within us.

And when we choose to honour our desires at the expense of God's interest and the interests of others, when we choose to act selfishly, we sin. When we act against what we know to be wise, what God tells us is wise, we sin.

Sin as a way of life takes us off course in our relationship wtih God, and in the way God wants us to live. And unrepentent sin will disqualify us from the podium.

Write
Think about your faith story: what are sometimes when you have been firmly on course in your relationship with God and others? When have you been off course? When have you just let your desires lead, disregarding the interests of others?

What are some desires that are dragging you off course? Or are you feeling off course, and needs a way back on track?

Who do you know is off course with God?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about your experience with your "race". How does it feel to remember the times when you are on course, and the times when you have been off course.

Talk to God about the decisions in your life presently that can take you off course, or get you back on course. Ask God for the wisdom you need to make a wise decision.

Pray for your friend who needs help getting back on course. Ask God how you can help.

Pray for a fresh experience of God's love, grace and mercy as you say no to the things that lead you off track, and through the wisdom he gives you to stay on track with him.