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It all seems so simple. Just believe what Scripture says, apply it, and trust God for the results. There is no doubt that most readers of this post believe Scripture. I am sure that you are willing to stand on the authority of God’s Word for life and eternal life.  But application of His truth, and “trusting in the moment” are often sources of conflict for all of us. Sourcing a simple, yet profound passage may give clarity to my premise. Wisdom from God is available for all Christ followers, but He gives conditions for “wisdom’s direction”. Easy-to-believe words, with capacity in Christ to apply them … so why don’t we trust?

Let’s begin with the Word(s):

James 1:5-8
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Life was so simple when our daughter was small. Trust was easy, and she didn’t have a reason not to trust her dad. However, her trust for dad came into great conflict when I started teaching her to swim and ride a bike. She still believed me, but emotions fought against her trust for dad’s words. The good news is … Her trust finally overcame emotions.  And our quest for wisdom should be no different. It can be that simple.

Set in the context of trials, James tells us that when wisdom is lacking, we should simply ask God for direction. Stop for just a moment and think of some specific trials in front of you this week. James is telling you to simply ask God for wisdom. It may be difficult to wrap your arms around how God will choose to work in your particular circumstance, but that is not for you to worry about … just start asking. God desires to give you His wisdom without finding fault … so why hesitate to ask? It may be that letting circumstances and emotional distrust override simple faith is thwarting your wisdom connection.

The above-mentioned passage gives clear direction. If you are asking, believe that He will give you wisdom. No Doubting! It can be that simple. For most of us, the truth is that we have mastered the discipline of doubting. Satan will continue to attack your thoughts with sometimes subtle, yet always deadly, doubt.  But by a choice to submit your will, determine to believe that wisdom is available for every circumstance. Our Father understands the attacks, and will honor your simple trust.

Without saying it, you may be thinking, “you don’t know what I am up against!”  And in that, you are likely whole-heartedly right.  And if this was about my words, or my encouragement/challenge to you, then your thought might end the discussion.  But praise God, He does know exactly what you are up against (Isaiah 53:3)!  And He wants to give you wisdom. He gives us a simple pattern, and wants us to simply trust Him. There will always be a new circumstance to confront, and wisdom will always be available to Christ followers who ask and don’t doubt. It can be that simple!

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault….