Confidence Booster

 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  James 1:5

 

Wisdom can seem illusive in a difficult situation.

In our home we are facing a bit of a trial with a new diagnosis of cancer for my husband. We have been told not to worry, it is curable cancer. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It has brought about a lot of prayer since our first choice is usually for alternative health care. This time, we were assured and reassured that traditional medicine has a “cure,” so we have opted to go with what appears to be a “sure thing.”

James’ admonition to ask God for wisdom (above) is right after he commands us to count it all joy to go through trials of any kind. Then, following  his admonition to ask for wisdom, he gives further advice. “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6

We have prayed for wisdom. We have listened to many different suggestions for ways to treat it. We have prayed for more wisdom and God’s clear direction. We have searched the internet. We have heard the advice of at least four MDs. And, we have prayed for wisdom some more.

Yet as I read James 1 this morning I realized that I have not counted it all joy to go through this trial. I have prayed for wisdom but with the way I have done so repeatedly, I am wondering if I have really done it in faith. I am questioning the faith we had to follow what appeared to be a wise decision.

I love God and I believe His promises – for everyone else! I can see that I need to pray for more than wisdom. I need to pray for the Lord to strengthen my faith so that I rest comfortably in the places He has led us. I must trust that He has given us the wisdom we have asked for solely based on His promise to give it to those who ask in faith.

Wisdom + Faith = Confidence.

It is my turn to live my faith. When the chips are down can I be thankful? I am not thankful that my husband is ill. I am thankful that in a set of circumstances that is common to man I have a heavenly Father who will be by our side and give us wisdom when we ask for it.  He will not leave us nor forsake us. He will give us the strength and the endurance to go through six months of chemotherapy with a question about what is next and if it will be enough.

The conclusion I have come to is that wisdom only seems illusive. If we ask, He will give it. James says so.

When was the last time you prayed for wisdom? In faith, are you and I confident He will give it?