Practice Makes Perfect

"22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do." James 1:22-25 NIV

As a soccer player in high school, I was always good at endurance, but never quite the expert at fancy footwork. In admiration of one of my teammates, I asked what made her so talented. I will never forget how simple she made it seem. She said, "Laura, really, all it takes is practice." Understanding God's word and His intimate instructions for our lives is the same thing. It's not "fancy footwork, " that only some of us were meant to become experts at. Getting close to the Lord is for everyone willing to put in the effort. With this verse we are reminded how only when we truly put into practice the revelation, instruction and guidance He gives, are we able to master success in our lives. Life is constantly changing and giving us new things to learn; the only way we can overcome every obstacle and keep winning, is if we keep practicing.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, thank you for Your word. Sometimes, life has me feeling defeated and I get discouraged when I don't understand what you want me to do. Sometimes, I feel like giving up and walking away. Sometimes, I feel like I'm not good enough. Please remind me how I was created in Your divine image and if I keep practicing what I'm learning, no weapon formed against me shall prosper. Please keep Your word alive and active in all that I do. In Jesus' name. Amen.