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
In the scripture above, "If any lacks"implies that everyone has a shortage of wisdom. The difference in the measurement of our wisdom verses God's is what makes us question His sovereignty when the trials come. Our wisdom asks, "WHY ME?" and God's wisdom allows us to start asking for wisdom to see us through the trial.
ASK- the present tense says to keep on asking. We can stay in constant prayer with our Heavenly Father. God is not tight fisted toward His children. He gives all wisdom without reproach - He does not disgrace us, shame us, or scold us because of our past failures or sins. Our God is a good, giving God!
This wisdom God offers to us, simply for the asking, is not mere knowledge of facts, or the accumulation of information. Many people have gone under the trials of life knowing all the facts. The wisdom God offers is understanding for living. It is the God-given ability to make godly decisions and choices in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Why do we need wisdom for trials? Why not ask for strength, grace, or deliverance? We need to ask for godly wisdom that allows us to see that strength, grace, and deliverance comes withGod's wisdom. The trials that come to us in life are nothing less than gigantic opportunities to become wise.
Just BelieveAs we live in the world of advancing technology, we also live in a society where people want something for nothing. James sets the conditions of asking for godly wisdom.
· ASK IN FAITH - Faith is an unwavering trust and belief in God. Hebrews 11:6says But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. To ask in faith believing, says we are committed to depend upon God and His wisdom rather than our own.
· WITH NO DOUBTING - Skeptics are born every day. They live in a sea of doubt and faith never enters their lives. To ask God for wisdom and then doubt tells of the conflict of trust that is going on inside of us. Doubting contrasts with faith.
James views the "DOUBTING BELIEVER" (paradox!) as being on the waves that go in and out. A wave is at the mercy of outside influences. It has no power of direction. It is in a state of constant change. It is the perfect picture of the doubting that causes instability in our lives. God's wisdom gives us stability in our lives. He gives us the peace that allows us to see clearly and make the wisest and most godly choices when the seas of adversity are crashing around us, when the waves of doubt threaten to draw us away - outside influences of difficult circumstances. Ask Him in faith and belief that He will give you the wisdom you need every day.
That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ. Ephesians 4:14-15
