Faith and Wisdom
2 Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7, 8 For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord.
~ James 1:2-8 (RSVCE)
The part of this scripture that spoke to me was “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him.” Lord, please help me always to know and trust that all I have to do is ask you in faith and you will provide the wisdom that you know I need.
What stood out to me is that maybe I have to literally count ….. to ten (Or 20… or 100…) when faced with trials to find the joy from the experiences/testing, to not be afraid, and discover what God is trying to teach me, show me or strengthen in me.
Verse 8 really spoke to me. If I hold back from God by allowing doubt creep in and not fully trust in Him, I wouldn’t be open to receive the wisdom I ask for from Him.
In praying this scripture, my heart went to the trials we are living through at this time in the world. There is so much to stand up for on the side of Christ and in what is morally right and just. This time is, truly, a test in faith to persevere until God answers no matter how long it takes! Asking to seek His Wisdom in all things is what He wants and what we need in order to persevere. I love this reminder from God in scripture to ask with faith and never doubt, as doubt will not have our faith strengthened or our prayers answered as in how God would love to answer them. My resolution is to work on trusting in God more!!
This has been my go-to verse for 2021 … though looking back in my journals, I think it has followed me during my entire journey back into the church (beginning 2005). I love all the ways it touched your hearts — seeing too that there needs to be a boldness in which we ask, trusting in God’s infinite goodness and love for us! Wavering is part of faith life but we can’t stay on that edge, right, or we’ll be tossed about <3 Living on the coast, I get this imagery!!
Faith and wisdom are both very powerful when I am tested with trials that face me journeying along my earthly walk. It has helped me give up to God all the pain that these trials bring upon me. I always strive to keep in focus faith, hope, wisdom and love that the Lord covers me with at the very moment I am in the trials. I hold onto the faith: James 1:4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Amen and Praise God for his faithfulness!
Lindalee
I really got caught up on the first sentence. With a few recent trials, I laughed at the thought that these difficult times are joyful. It appears I may need to redefine some terms. I feel pretty crabby with some of these trials! :) So despite my crabbiness, I found a lot of comfort in this verse.
Totally, totally get your crabbiness reflection!! <3
I feel like when my faith is tested, I know that I just need to take a break and pray. This is how I get through most of the hard times in my life. This verse is very comforting and confirms how I feel about Faith.
Amen. Yesterday, was Padre Pio’s feast day. HE Is one of my favorites in my #SaintPosse. Hiss “pray, hope, don’t worry. worry is useless. God is Merciful and hears your prayer”… is such a comfort esp in my testings!