Day 20 - Resist and Draw Near

SCRIPTURE:

James 4:7, 8

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites.”

DEVOTIONAL:

I’ve often hear the James 4:7 quoted, “Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.” This is true, but in context there is more power and greater understanding.

Sometimes, as Christians, our thinking needs to be turned upside down. Here is the theological adjustment God made in me and may need to make in you.

What transformed me: We often feel life is all about what God does for us. Our view of this relationship is very one sided. God gave, God came down and God reached out to me. Yes, these truths things are theologically correct and powerful. The problem is, we leave it there, as if all the effort is on God’s part.

Think about this quote “I determine the level of my relationship with God – not God.” I humble myself. I resist the Devil. I draw close to God. I stretch forth my hands to be washed and I open my heart to be purified. God does none of those things for me. My action is required.

When I exercise my faith, He acts on my behalf, but often not until then. Faith becomes faith when I fall into God.

Finally, and most importantly for me is the move I make to draw closer to God. Notice it doesn’t say when God draws close to me I’ll draw close to Him. If I want closeness with God I move toward Him.

This idea might mess with you a bit, but here is my suggestion, don’t wait for God to move — you move and be amazed at God’s reaction!