“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
Are you in the midst of a trial? We do not like them, but the Christian life is filled with struggles.
James tells us there is one essential we all need while navigating life’s storms – wisdom.
Sarah and Abraham receive much attention for their plot to have a child using Hagar, Sarah’s
maid. Sarah could not conceive, and she thought Hagar was the only solution to their problem.
Sarah was using worldly intellect, not divine wisdom. Worldly wisdom is not always wise
wisdom.
Before we judge Sarah’s actions, let’s look at our own decisions. We try to figure out the best
way to get ourselves out of difficult situations. We pray about it. We ask God to remove it. We
even ask God to guide us, but often we come up with our own plans. We tell God how to fix it.
We choose the easiest and quickest route out of trouble. Many times those plans are based on
our knowledge and desires, not God’s wise purposes.
We struggle with decisions. We want God to give us His answer on a billboard, making it crystal
clear. What does James tell us? If we wish to obtain divine wisdom, we must ask God for it.
That’s it! Just ask, and He gives it to us.
Notice that God distributes wisdom liberally. He doesn’t drop this divine gift through an eye
dropper. No, He pours it out on us by the bucketful.
The hard part for us is being sure we are hearing from God. There is no harm in confirming that
it is His message we are receiving. Often, His plans make no sense to us. His ways are not our
ways (Is. 55:8-9). Whatever you are going through now, ask God for the necessary wisdom you
will need to understand His plans and purposes.
Lord, I seek Your wisdom today. You are my Father, my Creator and my sustainer. You know what
is better for me than I do. When I hear from You, help me know without a doubt it is Your plan.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read James 1:2-8.
HIKING THE TRAIL
Here are some suggestions I have found helpful while praying during trying times:
Seek wisdom
Don’t forget to praise.
Thank God for what He will do.
Pray for healing.
Pray for the breakthrough.
Trust God.
Check out Carolyn’s new book:
AMountainOfFaith.com
Copyright 2016 Carolyn Dale Newell.
Originally posted on August 26, 2020 @ 9:32 pm