March 14th

Being Wise in Foolish Times

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-7

This has got to be one of the best promises in scripture. Seriously! God promises that whenever we need wisdom, all we need to do is ask.

Just ask, and He'll give it to us liberally. Not just a little bit, not just barely what we need, but liberally, God will give us wisdom. Now that's a great promise in this day and age in which we have a lot of tough decisions to make and a huge need for wisdom!

But God says that when we ask, we cannot doubt, because if we doubt then we won't receive anything. So to help us receive when we ask, let me give you four things about wisdom that we need to pray for together.

First, we need to pray for wisdom that produces a hearing heart. This means that the first thing we're listening for when we pop out of bed in the morning is God's voice of wisdom. More than the voice of Fox News, more than the voice of whatever newspaper you grab first, you are living to hear His voice.

Second, we need to pray for wisdom that produces a clearer vision. Here's the scary thing about this-it's not the same as what we see as logical. Why? Because God's wisdom told Peter to get out of the boat during a storm. What's His wisdom telling you?

Third, we need to pray for wisdom that produces a deeper passion. I've heard it said that as we get older, our wisdom increases and our passion decreases. I never want that said of me. Wisdom should bring us closer to the Lord to the point where our passion to serve Him increases more and more.

Fourth, we need to pray for wisdom that produces a higher calling. I believe, in all the events that are happening in the world right now, God certainly desires to see His Church step up the plate and swing for the fence, embracing His wisdom that enables us to accomplish great things for the glory of His name.

Will you pray for this kind of wisdom with me today?

Prayer Father God,

Thank You that You promise to give wisdom to whoever asks! I ask for wisdom today, wisdom that produces in me a hearing heart, a clearer vision, a deeper passion, and a higher calling. Help me to be a part of what You're doing in the world today for Your glory!

Amen