When You Need Wisdom

Transcript

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Welcome back to Beyond Sunday and day 27 of anchored in God's promises. I can't believe we're almost done with the month. Every day this month, we've been starting with one verse to anchor our hearts before the day begins. Today's verse is one I've learned on countless times in my own life when I don't know what to do when the next step feels unclear. This is the promise I return to. It's James one, five. If any of you lacks wisdom. You should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault and will be given to you. The assumption is we all lack wisdom, right? James starts with, if any of you lacks wisdom, that's not meant to question whether some people need it and others don't. It's an acknowledgement that all of us lacks wisdom at times in our life. Everyone faces decisions. We don't feel equipped for which job to take. How to parent in a difficult season. Can I get an amen? How to handle conflict. How to respond in moments of pressure. The good news is God knows our limits and instead of leaving us stuck, he offers wisdom freely. When we ask, James keeps it simple, here's the instruction you should ask. God, how often do you and I overcomplicate this? We'll, stress, we'll strategize. We'll ask a dozen people for their advice before pausing to simply say God. What do you want me to do? Asking God for wisdom doesn't have to be long. It doesn't have to be a long formal prayer. Sometimes it's as simple as God, I need your direction right now. And the promise is that when you and I ask, he responds, James adds this encouragement, who gives generously to all without finding fault. That's the character of the giver that's worth pausing on, right? God isn't stingy with his wisdom. He doesn't ration it out like it's scarce. He gives generously and he doesn't scold you for asking. He doesn't say, really, Nick, you should have figured this out by now, or, you've messed this up last time, so I'm not helping you anymore. No, he gives without finding fault. What a relief that is. God welcomes our questions. He delights when we bring our decisions to him, and the guarantee is it's not a vague hope, it's a clear promise. It will be given to you. Now, that doesn't always mean God gives the entire roadmap in one moment. Often his wisdom comes as the next step. Sometimes it's a scripture that suddenly feels alive and relevant. Sometimes it's a sense of peace or a lack of peace that helps you discern his will. Sometimes it's wise counsel from a godly friend, but however he gives it, you can trust this when you ask in faith, wisdom will come. I remember counseling a young man who had two very different job offers, one that looked great on paper and another that seemed uncertain, but had doors for ministry impact. And honestly, he was torn. He prayed James one five every day for a week. Lord, give me wisdom. Lord, give me wisdom, Lord, give me wisdom. On the final night while reading Proverbs one verse, leapt off the page about generosity and trust. It confirmed his leaning toward the less lucrative but more impactful role. Years later, he told me that decision changed the course of his life, and I only knew because I asked. That's what he said. I only knew what to do because I asked God. That's the kind of clarity God delights to give. So here's your challenge today. Identify one decision you're facing right now, big or small. Bring it to God and pray. James, one five. Word for word. Lord, I lack wisdom. I'm asking you to give it generously without finding fault. Then watch and wait. Keep your eyes open for how he answers through scripture, through the spirit's leading through wise. Counsel, let's pray. Father, thank you that you are not just a God of power, but also a God of wisdom. Thank you that you don't leave us to figure life out alone today. We confess that we lack wisdom in many areas. Us, give us clarity, give us discernment. Teach us to recognize your leading and to trust the answers you provide In Jesus name, amen. Hey, thanks for spending a few minutes this morning here on Beyond Sunday. That's day 27 of Anchored in God's Promise. If this episode encouraged you, if that's Scripture encouraged you, send it to someone who may need a reminder of God's wisdom and how generous he is. I'll see you back here tomorrow.