Day 8 | Wisdom Application

Read James 1:2–26

The book of James is an amazing book that discusses in several passages the dichotomy between God’s wisdom and man’s wisdom. In the verses we read today, we see God’s wisdom as it applies to us facing trials and temptations. If godly wisdom can be defined as God knowing the greatest outcome in any situation and the best way to achieve that outcome, then we can trust that God sees the “big picture” and each piece of that picture in proper relationship to the rest. So whatever trial, tribulation, or temptation we face, we trust. We trust
that God is working all things (the “big picture”) together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Knowing this, we trust that God has the wisdom and the ability to take the trials we face and use them to mature and complete our faith so we are lacking nothing (James 1:4).

Verse 5 in the reading says, “if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.” In humility, we all realize that we are lacking and should pray to God to give us wisdom, and we can trust that He will give it to those with sincere hearts.

First, trust that God loves you and that He has a plan for your life. His plan is not to harm you but to prosper you, to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Secondly, pray to the only wise God (Romans 16:27) for His wisdom to be given to you. Stop seeking wisdom secondhand and boldly go to the source because He cares for you. Why would a God who gave everything to us (Romans 5:8) withhold His wisdom from us? He wouldn’t! Go to Him in awe of who He is and of His greatness.

Pray for 10 minutes