I am getting ready to embark on a Beth Moore bible study called James, Mercy Triumphs. At the introduction of the participant’s workbook Beth outlines what to expect throughout the study and gives five different levels of participation. I love this structure, giving everyone the right fit for where they are right now. Some schedules are busier than others and some have other studies going on at the same time, etc. One of the options (and it is an option – not a requirement – I don’t want to panic anyone considering a Beth Moore study) is to memorize the book of James. She suggest taking 5 months to tackle this; not memorizing the entire book in 8 weeks. To me, that sounds doable so I told Jason my plan and he looked at me and laughed. Yes, looked at me and laughed and said I would not be able to memorize the book verbatim – so the challenge was really on! Tell me I can’t do something and you just put fuel in a fire. So I got a jump start on my memorization and I am on chapter 1 verse 5 today. I have read James a number of times and specifically this verse, but today I saw it differently then ever before.
“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. Think about this with me for a moment. If you lack wisdom, say you need to know how to handle a situation or are looking for understanding. Are you like me, and try to get it all perfected or go in with defense mode before asking? Where are you right now? What wisdom do you lack? Do you know that according to scripture we can go to GOD, yes GOD and ask for wisdom and He will give it to us AND WITHOUT FINDING FAULT. I don’t know about you, but I have lots of faults to be found and a lot of the faults may directly relate to why I need the wisdom but God will not find fault in me and will give wisdom to me generously when I ask.
Maybe you say, I have asked for wisdom and I’m not getting it. Are you asking for wisdom for today or asking to know the outcome of your five year strategic plan? See, I want to know the plan, that is in my nature. I am a very structured, plan oriented woman. Nevertheless, God doesn’t necessarily reveal His plan to us when we want to see it. That doesn’t mean He is not giving wisdom generously. What are you facing today? What decisions need to be made today? What steps need to be ordered today? Remember what Matthew 6:34 says “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
What wisdom are you laking for today? Ask your Heavenly Father, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
