“But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8
What does this passage communicate? When I read this passage I’m reminded that God wants me to win!
We make life too hard...Like life is one big game of Marco Polo. Did you play that game as a kid? A world full of Christians walking around with their eyes closed…With out stretched arms…Hoping to run into God’s ever hidden will.
I hated that game as a kid and I hate it even more as an adult!
We, as followers of Jesus, must mature in this way of thinking. Following God is not a game of Marco Polo.
Open your eyes.
Look to God’s ways found in God’s word.
And then…Wait for it...Walk in that direction.
Why in the world do we do anything but that?
Yet...
We do everything but that.
We talk to friends.
We read books.
We cry.
We complain.
We ignore.
We stay medicated.
We stay intoxicated.
We do just about anything other than...
But that, is not what James tells us to do. James says...
“he should ask God...he must ask in faith without doubting…"
Don’t neglect asking God.
Then...
Don’t neglect doing what God says.
Can I offer this prayer for you today? It’s a prayer for two things, wisdom and courage.
Father, I ask for wisdom. There are several areas of my life where I need your guidance. Father, would you give me wisdom in (tell God whatever area of life you need wisdom in)? I ask in faith. Your Word tells me that if I ask in faith you will give it to me generously and with reprimand. I ask in faith and I thank you in advance for your guidance.
Father, there’s more. I trust that you are faithful. It’s me that I’m worried about. Will you give me courage to actually do what you say. I’m afraid that (tell God why you are afraid to obey). Give me courage to be faithful to what you ask me to do. I do desire to be a wise person. Help me to apply what you show me. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Matt