If we are going to claim victory over our trials we have to consider them joy, understand that they are for our good, and finally we have to pray, pray, pray. So that’s exactly what I want to do today.
When we reach the point where we fully accept and understand that God is working all of these trials together for our good, and that He is using them to refine us, we have a choice to make. We can choose to resist, or we can choose to submit. I have tried both, and submission is the best choice, just trust me on this one. The discipline that follows resistance can be avoided if you just choose to follow God’s plan for your life. Though this obedience does have to come from the heart. If you choose to submit but go out complaining and grumbling you can’t expect the full reward.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8
If you have ever been unsure of what to pray, James gives us some awesome insights into prayer during trials. He doesn’t say we should pray to have the trial removed from our lives, or for strength to endure the trial, instead he tells us to pray for wisdom.
Notice that it’s imperative that we pray with faith because if we don’t we shouldn’t expect to receive the wisdom we have asked for. According to James, if we ask for wisdom with faith, it will be given to us and given generously (meaning more than is needed or asked for).
So let’s take some time right now, to pray for that wisdom!
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your word and thank you for the wisdom and grace you give us to understand and live it out. Today I want to ask you for wisdom. Wisdom in understanding your word clearly, wisdom in each and every one of my trials, wisdom in writing this blog, wisdom in raising my children, and loving my husband, and wisdom in every other area of my life. I know that you give wisdom to those who ask and believe, and I do believe you will answer my prayer. I want to grow Lord, I want to glorify you in all I say and do. I don’t want to sit back and watch the world move around me. Open my eyes to your will for me, and give me the wisdom to see the opportunities you’ve placed before me. I trust you with my life, and I release it to you. Have your way with me.
I love you, help me love you more.
If there is anyone reading this right now who needs wisdom for their trialS, I pray for them as well. Please open their eyes to the truths in your word. Draw them close to you, and move in their lives. We want to grow, please give us the wisdom to do so. Thank you for the many trials we face that make us more like your son. May we never forget all Jesus has done for us.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen
View 31 Days Through The Book Of James here.