James 1:5-6, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
Have you had some struggles already into the new year of 2023? Do you feel like you have been earning yet another badge of courage? In what areas have you needed wisdom from God this past week? Trials come in many shapes and sizes and not one answer fits them all. I like the HCSB version of James 1:5-6 as it stands out to me even more, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” I need God’s wisdom when handling a crisis because I know He has a lesson for me of endurance and growing spiritually, but I don’t always see it as an opportunity to do that or even want it. Do you? I want it over. I want the ending. I want the hurt to be stopped and go away quickly. But that doesn’t always happen in my timeline.
It takes using the knowledge we have acquired along with the wisdom we have gained in putting things together in figuring out solutions. But are we asking God, when we pray, for God to be glorified first versus, “God, I need . . . ” Don’t know how to put your burden into words in your prayer? Read through the Psalms. Find one that speaks to what you need and pray those words. Psalms 138:7 states, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.” Psalm 34:19 says, “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” That has been my prayer this past week.
“Knowing God’s generosity – that He never despises or resents us for asking for wisdom – should encourage us to ask Him often for wisdom. We understand that He is the God of the open hand, not the God of the clenched fist.” David Guzik, Blue Letter Bible Commentary. Be specific in your needs to God. “Lord, this is specifically what I think I want, and I ask this of thee believing that thou canst give it to me.” Spurgeon. Lay it all out as you would to your closest friend.
A fitting example of James 1:6, regarding asking in faith with no doubts whatsoever, being like a “wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind” would be like having Vertigo. That condition messes up your balance and makes you feel like you are being rolled and tossed around in a spinning sensation, causing dizziness. Being out on the ocean and getting sea sickness from the waves is similar. Both produce severe nausea. Don’t let unnecessary doubts and lack of faith erode and toss you around with the “what ifs” in your mind. Stay steadfast; stand firmly grounded in God’s Word. Psalm 119:130 states, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.”
Have you ever been criticized for something you didn’t understand? God won’t ever make anyone feel stupid for seeking out and asking for His wisdom in growing your faith through a trial. Ask, in faith, for God to give you strength and insight, and thank Him for exposing your weaknesses as you realize your dependence upon God is what is needed. Ask Him when you need to know what to do and how to respond. Complete understanding may come in the middle or at the end of the trial. You will come out with more than what you started having in your character and integrity. Remember, this is temporary. Keep your perspective on the kingdom and your future destiny because of Christ. God’s gifts of wisdom will protect you as Proverbs 2:7 declares, “He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity.” Ask Him in faith for the wisdom you need in the trial He is walking with you through. Embrace the truth of God’s promises despite the challenging circumstances. Battles are inevitable and unavoidable. The enemy wants discord and wants to rob you of having joy and peace. Don’t let your emotions, doubts, and fears pull you down. Speak truth to the battle going on in your mind. “Prayer releases all your eternal resources.” Priscilla Shirer, The Armor of God. Throughout your day today, ask God what He is doing in your life. Thank Him for what He has done in the past when you had uncertainty.
I just had a customer of mine call me, that has been out since October, from major heart surgery. He said he could hear in my voice something was wrong. This man is not a Christian. He told me, “I know you are a woman of faith. You have a co-signer on your life. Remember that.” That was a precious moment and I pray that God uses this in turn on his life, for God’s glory, from the seeds previously planted, as it has done on mine in our time of need.
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