journey onWord with us

I have been thinking recently of how we believe Scripture….but do we really live like believers?  It is easy to mouth the words, “believe what Scripture says, apply it and trust God for the results.” There is little doubt in my mind that you believe Scripture. I am sure that you are probably 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 great conflict. Taking 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, capacity in Christ to apply them, so why don’t we trust? The Words: 

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 to not trust her dad. But 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. The good news is, her trust finally overcame emotions, and our quest for wisdom should be no different.

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 that are confronting you right now. James is telling you to 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 ask for wisdom. Then believe that He will provide it! God desires to give you His wisdom without finding fault, so why hesitate to ask? It may be that your circumstances and emotional distrust are over-riding believing faith, and thwarting your wisdom connection.

The above-mentioned passage gives clear direction. If you are asking, believe that He will give you wisdom. No Doubting! Trials are a given for believers, and wisdom is offered. But we must believe! For most of us, the truth is that we have mastered the discipline of doubting. Satan will continue to attack your thoughts with doubt, but by a choice of the 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!” God does, and He wants to give you wisdom. He has outlined a model for us to receive His wisdom, but it requires believing and not doubting. There will always be a new circumstance to confront, and wisdom will always be available to Christ followers. I am sure you believe this great truth, but are you living like a believer?

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