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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 our articles believe Scripture. I am sure that you are willing to stand on the authority of God’s Word for life and eternal life.  But accepting 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.  You will find in this passage easy-to-believe words, with the capacity in Christ to apply them … so why don’t we trust them in the moment? Note the passage:

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 in dad’s words. She struggled with trusting me in the moment. The good news is … Her trust finally overcame her doubt and she began to ride her bike and swim.  And our quest for wisdom should be no different.  We can trust Him for wisdom, no matter how much our emotions fight us.

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 just ask God for wisdom, and believe that He will provide it. 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 trust Him in each moment. 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.

James gives us clear direction for seeking wisdom. If you are asking, believe that He will provide the needed wisdom. No Doubting! Instead of confidently seeking wisdom, the sad truth is many 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 trusting Him in the moment.

Without saying it, you may be thinking; you don’t know what I am up against!  And in your defense, I don’t.  And if this was about my words, or my challenge to you, then your thoughts might end my attempts to encourage you. Make no mistake however, God does know what you and I are up against and He will give us wisdom.  The Word gives us a clear pattern, with an undeniable promise. He will give us the needed wisdom. Don’t worry about tomorrow, just trust Him in the moment today. 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 is as easy as riding a bike!

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