Trials reveal our lack of wisdom. We don’t know what to do or say.
- We make mistakes which make things worse.
- We become physically, verbally, spiritually paralyzed.
- We are tossed around like waves on a stormy sea.
Trials reveal our lack of wisdom. We don’t know what to do or say.
But we don’t need to stay like this. In James 1:5-8, God has an encouragement and a warning for us to help us know what to do and say.
1. GOD ENCOURAGES THOSE WHO LACK WISDOM
- We lack wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom” (5a). Are we wise enough to see this?
- God gives wisdom generously: “ Let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (5b). Wisdom is more valuable than money.
- God gives wisdom to askers: “Let him ask of God” (5b). We don’t need to pass exams.
Summary: Confess your emptiness to gain God’s fullness.
Question: Is there a specific kind of asking that God gives to? What kind of asking does God respond to?
2. GOD WARNS THOSE WHO LACK FAITH
- Double-minded doubting is disappointed: “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” (6-8). This is one case where having double is having less.
- Single-minded faith is rewarded: “Let him ask in faith with no doubting” (6a). This is one case where having less is more.
Summary: Single minded faith is better than double-minded doubting.
LIVING THE BIBLE
Ask God for wisdom with steady confidence in his generous supply.
PRAYING THE BIBLE
All-wise God, trials reveal our lack of wisdom. We often don’t know what to do or say. We make mistakes, we get paralyzed, and we are tossed around like waves on the sea.
We praise you that, despite our folly, you encourage those who lack wisdom. We thank you that although you warn double-minded doubters, you reward simple-minded faith.
Therefore, all-wise God, we ask you for wisdom with steady confidence in your generous supply. We look to Christ, the Wisdom of God, to teach and guide us when we are mistaken, paralyzed, and destabilized. Amen.
Download Infographic here. Listen to this episode on Living the Bible podcast. Index to Living Faith in Trying Times series.
