Series: The Word
James 1:5 ESV
James 1:5-8 MSG
I’ve known a few wise people in my lifetime and I’m pretty sure I am not naturally wise.
I’m an idea person.
A few years back I took a number of tests and Strength Finders says my number one strength is ideation.
Number two was Learner.
Because I love to learn and ideas pop into my head all the time (like, ALL the time) I want to learn about my ideas.
Seriously folks, sometimes I wish I could turn off the ideas, but I can’t.
If I had the space I’d love to have an idea wall where I write about my ideas and I put them on the wall.
That is one of my better ideas.
Because I sometimes get wild and crazy ideas I started praying about wisdom after I read James 1:5 decades ago.
James 1:5 tell us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Wow, I thought…do I ever need wisdom.
I was really excited because I thought it would be a great way to harness my crazy ideas!
While it IS good to ask for wisdom for anything (even crazy ideas) I discovered asking for wisdom when I’m really in a tough spot is essential.
James 1:5-8 in The Message says, “If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.”
When I started serving in prayer ministry and doing hospital visits for my church, I really learned that asking for wisdom is essential. I really did not know what I was doing and I needed God’s help.
There have been times when I’ve been asked to pray for people who just found out they have cancer.
The first time that happened I was speechless. Now you need to understand I’m not the kind of person who gets speechless.
Because I was clueless about what to say and what to do, I told the woman I was praying for that we were going to start with silent prayer. That turned out to be a very good thing because she was really nervous.
When we sat in silence she relaxed.
That time of silence gave me a chance to pray silently asking God for wisdom. Because God knew her need at that moment and God also knew what she would need tomorrow and that month and that year, the Spirit helped me to pray about (and pray for) what was to come.
As it turned out that wasn’t the only time I prayed for her. She came to the prayer service asking for prayer regularly.
I also had the privilege of visiting her in the hospital and praying for her there. Every time I walked into her room at the hospital it wasn’t a planned visit. I had a list of which hospital, a first name, and a room number.
Once again, I asked God to give me wisdom.
God did not fail me.
As a matter of fact, when I realize I am at a loss for words and I ask for wisdom, God never fails.
I’ve had people tell me after the fact that I knew exactly what to say and how to pray.
I always always tell them I didn’t know anything.
I had no idea what to say or how to pray so I asked God for wisdom and I just got out of the way.
That’s how wisdom works.
We ask and God provides.
Every every every time.
There are no rules when it comes to asking for wisdom.
We ask for wisdom.
God provides wisdom.
Spiritual Practice: Wisdom
Think of one thing you need help with because you don’t see how it will work out. Ask God for wisdom and then wait for the answer. If you aren’t sure, ask God specifically to show you the answer.
In God, Deborah
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