Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 66 – James 1:5-8 – Ask God For Wisdom- Growing As Disciples
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:5-8 (NIV)
No Doubt
Well, there is no doubt about me. What do you mean by saying there is no doubt about you? I desperately need wisdom. There is no if’s, and’s or but’s about my lack of wisdom. I especially need wisdom when I am in a difficult trial. I certainly need wisdom when I am in the middle of a storm. Was this surprising news to you? Did this come as a shocking revelation? Did you need to become thoroughly convinced on this point? I would say no, but my actions would say otherwise. How so? You have seen me desperately needing wisdom. You have seen me in the middle of a storm. You have watched me in a difficult trial. What is your point? Did I cry out to you? Did I ask for your help? Did I come to rely on you? No, I did not. I relied on myself. I kept silent. I did not ask for directions. I did not receive your guidance. Instead, I trusted in my own wisdom. How did that work out for you? Not, well. It was a painful, educational experience. How so? I had a front row seat to observe my lack of wisdom. I came to clearly see that I needed your help. So, I desperately cried out to you. I asked for your help. That was a valuable lesson. Yes, it was. I’m sad to say that every so often, I must revisit this lesson. I must see again the foolishness of relying on myself and not coming to fully place all my trust in you. But, I am learning, slowly but surely. You have been kind and forgiving and gracious teacher. For that I give you all my thanks and praise. That is very good.
What else have you learned? There is no doubt about you. What do you mean by saying that about me? You are good and kind. You are gracious. You are generous. You are forgiving. When I have cried out to you for wisdom you have generous heard and answered my prayer. You have not rejected me. You have not condemned me. You have not told me that I should have been better and smarter and wiser. All of that would have been true. But, you have been with me to help me. You have guarded and guided me through every difficulty. You have held on to me as I have held on to you. Not once, have you left me on my own. Not once, have you told me that I could or should fend for myself. You have drawn me close to you. You have helped me to persevere. You have helped me to place all my faith and trust in you. For that I give you all my thanks and praise. That is very good.
Heavenly Father, there is no question about it, I lack wisdom. I especially need all your wisdom as I go through trials in life. No longer will I rely on myself. With a heart filled with faith, I will ask for all your wisdom. I know without a doubt that you will help me. Amen
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