Following Jesus 145

Blog #2015-90

Following Jesus: The Progress of the Pilgrim.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8 ESV)

What should be our prayers as we face difficulties? This leads the believer to the discipline of joy. Vs. 5-8. 

We begin by seeking God and making our requests to Him. What should we be asking God for as we face various trials? We must ask for wisdom.  

“If any Man lacks wisdom…” Wisdom is the insight into the true nature of things. Within the context it would be insight into the true nature of trials and testings’. To “want” wisdom is to not lack it. If I need this practical insight into my time of testing I simply ask God for it. 

Wisdom is the practical application of God’s truth into my life. The wisdom I need during trials is the application of God’s truth that my trials come to only make me strong and mature. Therefore, I can be joyful. 

If I want this wisdom from God, I am command by God Himself to ask for the wisdom I need. How simple, but significant is that? 

Wisdom is living life for the glory of God. It is obedience to the Word of God regardless of circumstances. My response to the circumstances around me displays either my lack or abundance of God’s wisdom. Wisdom is the application of the absolutes of God’s will found in God’s Word. 

“Why do we need wisdom when we are going through trials? Why not ask for strength, or grace or even deliverance? For this reason: we need wisdom so we will not waste the opportunities God is giving us to mature. Wisdom helps us understand how to use these circumstances for our good and God’s glory.” Warren Wiersbe

Dr. Wiersbe recalls an acquaintance of his who was going through a tough time. She herself had suffered from a stroke, her husband had gone blind and then he had to be taken to the hospital where it was assumed that he would die from other physical complications.   Dr. Wiersbe saw her in church one Sunday and assured that he was praying for her. Something we have surely done ourselves. 

The woman asked him, “What are you asking God to do?  Initially startled by the question he responded that he was praying that God would help her and strengthen her during these difficult days. She responded with appreciation but then asked that he would pray for one more thing. She requested that he pray that she would have the wisdom not to waste all of these opportunities God had brought into her life in order for her to mature and grow in Christ. 

As Dr. Wiersbe accurately concluded. “She knew the meaning of James 1:5.”

As Dr. John Piper once stated in what he learned from his battle with cancer: “Don’t waste your cancer.” 

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