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Wisdom for Successful Decisions
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5
The Lord invites us to ask for wisdom and assures us that if we seek spiritual gifts, we will receive them. He promised “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). God is faithful to His promises (Numbers 23:19).
But we need to ask in faith. “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6). Prayer without trusting faith is powerless. When we ask for wisdom we are to have confident faith that we will receive it. Genuine faith rises above the test of time or circumstance because God does not lie (Hebrews 6:18).
The Lord gave His only begotten Son to save His children (John 3:16), therefore, we know that He will not withhold any good thing from those that ask (Psalm 84:11). This fact should encourage boldness in asking. Believers are to come to the Lord as children seeking the love and help of their heavenly Father (Hebrews 4:16; Matthew 7:11).
When the Lord gives wisdom, this includes more than just knowledge, because knowledge alone does not guarantee right action. Wisdom helps us to place a proper value on everything that we do. And to see life as God wants us to, we need daily to keep our eyes set on God (Matthew 7:11; Luke 18:1–18).
Ways in Which God Supplies Wisdom
- He may increase our understanding of His Word, so that we clearly discern His will for us (Psalm 32:8).
- He may impress our hearts by His Holy Spirit as to what course of action would be best for us to take (Isaiah 30:21).
- He may speak to us through godly friends (Proverbs 11:14).
- He may use providence and circumstances to reveal His will (Proverbs 3:6).
- He may open and close doors to guide us in the right path (1 Corinthians 16:9).
And if, after we have taken in consideration every available source of heavenly wisdom, then, we can be confident that our steps will be protected from the wrong path and the Lord will help us make successful decisions. “thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
