If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 NKJV
Disappointment knocks at the door, and fear trickles in as worry races through our minds. These emotions rush to greet us after we get that phone call. That bill in the mail. The news from the doctor. That’s when our faith needs to kick in and take over. Faith has a companion, wisdom.
Our emotions lack intellect, and they deceive us, but wisdom is the fine skill that helps us live by faith.
Joab was commander-in-chief of King David’s army. He chased Israel’s enemy, Sheba, to the city of Abel Beth Maachah
Joab’s army, filled with rage, threatened to destroy the city, but God gave wisdom. Not to Joab. Not to one of the men, but to a woman known only as “a wise woman” (2 Sam. 20:16).
She cried out to Joab from the city. Surprisingly, the great military leader heard her out. She questioned Joab’s plan to destroy Abel. Joab explained his search for Sheba. The wise woman promised Joab that the head of Sheba would be thrown over the city wall. The citizens of Abel followed through with that promise.
One wise woman spared the city of Abel from destruction. Joab was victorious in his pursuit without unnecessary damage.
Wisdom has power. If one wise woman defused one mad general, what can wisdom do in our lives? James penned the command to seek wisdom from God in his discourse on trials in his epistle. God will give us wisdom liberally, holding nothing back. He wants wise sons and daughters, but God wants His children to ask for wisdom. God will not chide us when we ask.
We need wisdom in responding to our turbulent times. Wisdom can silence tempers. The Holy Spirit guides us through wisdom,
However, wisdom does require faith. Before we bow our heads and close our eyes, we must trust God to answer our prayers. We must not question His counsel.
Sometimes God’s ways seem unusual to us. Years ago, I prepared a chicken to roast in the oven in a cooking bag. I struggled with getting the chicken right side up because of my visual impairment, so I asked God to turn my chicken around if it was upside down. The pan which sat securely on my stovetop suddenly slid off and turned the chicken over. Amazed, I picked up the chicken and returned it to the pan, turning it back like I had it.
Do you see what happened? I doubted God. I couldn’t believe an angel came to my aid.
I never doubted God after that, because I did cook the chicken upside down instead of trusting God to answer my prayer. Many times, I’ve sought His confirmation to know I’m not responding to my own desires, but I have grown to trust Him more.
Friend, I don’t know what you’re dealing with today. But I know God wants to bestow wisdom upon you. Whether it’s your health, your heart, your relationships, your household, or your job, seek wisdom. Be the wise woman who rewrites history.
Heavenly Father, I want to be a wise woman. One skilled enough to make a difference. Lord, pour out Your wisdom on me! Amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
Do you pray for wisdom often? What does the story about a wise woman stir up in you?
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Originally posted on June 5, 2020 @ 3:07 am