Asking for Wisdom

The following is an excerpt from A Faith That Is Real.

Asking for Wisdom
James 1:5-8

In verse 5 James says, "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." The Greek word translated ask in this verse implies that we are to keep on asking. Wisdom should be asked for on a regular basis. God doesn't tire, and neither should we. Asking for wisdom is a habit that is formed by constant use.

When you are in a trial, to whom do you go first-to a friend, to your family, to your coworkers? Remember, the trials James is speaking of here are not trials you have created, but trials that God has allowed to come into your life. God wants you to go to him first. He is waiting for you to open up your heart and listen.

The question is not about how great your desire is to know God's will, but how great your desire is to do it. Are you asking God to give you advice, or wisdom? Are you really saying, "God, tell me what you want me to do, and if I like it, I'll do it"? We have all become so used to making decisions based on our own preferences and opinions that we don't really seek God's wisdom and direction. Do we really want what God wants for us; do we really want God's will in our lives?

While I was doing ministry work in India, I heard a story told of Gandhi. One day someone came to Mahatma Gandhi and said, "I want to know God." Gandhi walked him over to the edge of the river and said, "Let's get into the water." Once they were in, Gandhi took the man's head and held it under water. Gandhi continued to hold on while he struggled, then, just as the man was about to give up, Gandhi lifted his head up out of the water and said, "When you want to know God as desperately as you wanted to breathe just now, then you will find him."

Do you desire God in your life? Do you desire his wisdom? Or do you already have your life planned out? Your heavenly Father is waiting for you-but do you really want him?

God bless you,

Dan

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