WAYWARD WINDS

by Shane Skipper

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” - James 1:2-8

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:12-14

Ready:
Here he comes from the other side of the hollow—Mr. Mossy Buck! All your scouting and careful placement of your stand is finally paying off. The wind is in your face, your bow is ready, and he starts up your side of the hollow... WHAM! He freezes 62 yards away, just behind a witch hazel. His nose goes up, his tail raised, he snorts, and as quickly as he appears, he vanishes. Frustrated, you leave the stand and walk to the spot where he stopped. What went wrong?

While on the stand, you felt the wind in your face—until you noticed a milkweed seed drifting past you, floating in the wrong direction. The hollow had reversed the wind’s course, carrying your scent straight to him. Defeated, you think, "Why do I even try?"

Aim:
James 1:2-8, Philippians 3:12-14

Fire:
We can all relate to the bow hunter’s frustration. Yet, with encouragement from our Lord, we can leave failures behind and learn from them. The Lord is with you and has not given up on you. Commit today to focus on your goal, unburdened by past mistakes.

Follow Through:
Romans Chapter 8 reminds us that God is steadfastly in your corner. The Spirit of God gives us life, adopts us, intercedes for us, and if God is for us, who can be against us? No matter your circumstances, God is caring for you. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach, encourage, and embolden you through His Word.