James 1 Devotions by Stephen Taylor

James 1:5-8

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Wisdom is something I ask for daily and something the Lord wants me to have. These verses can be spun or twisted and used as a way to say that if you pray for it and believe, God will give it to you no matter what. I don't think that's what James is teaching us here. The kind of wisdom he is talking about comes from the Holy Spirit and is something the Lord desires us to want and have. We're not asking for wisdom to take over the world but to live a Godly life in it.

The heart posture behind the ask is crucial, and so is what you're requesting. If you're asking God to give you a million dollars to make your life easier, then I don't think that would qualify here. But if you are asking Him to make you more like Christ and help you live like Him, then that's something you can pray, believe, and trust God will do. As much as I want to resemble and be like Christ, God wants me to so much more!

It's not wrong to ask for things, but are we asking for God's will or God's things more? Are we angry or childish when the answer is no? I'm not proud to say I have been childish before. The beautiful thing is that God still loves me, and He loves you too! The Holy Spirit will lead us if we are willing to follow. He is waiting to teach and train us to be more like Christ and less like this world. Will we ask for more of Him today and for the wisdom He brings to help us on this journey?

Ephesians 1:17- I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know him better.

Isaiah 11:2- The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD.

God bless! I love you all, but His love brought many sons and daughters to glory! Praise, glory, and honor to Papa God, Jesus Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit!