The Quest for Wisdom

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life circumstances and wondered, “Why is this happening to me?” Recent events have shocked you. Chronic conditions are not resolved. Stress and tension have pressed in on you. The circumstances of life afford us unparalleled opportunities to trust God. In fact, without trials, our faith can't mature.

The key word in the first twelve verses of James’ letter is temptation. The passage opens and closes with it (verses 2 and 12). It carries the idea of outward trial or testing, and when used as a verb, it describes a fledgling bird testing its wings.

James is talking particularly about the infinite variety of trials we go through that are external in nature and unexpected in arrival. Is it possible that this life's trials and testing can give you greater strength rather than sap your strength? Is it possible that amid circumstances that stretch your faith, you can feel yourself soaring to a new level of intimacy with God? Yes, but we need wisdom.

Wisdom is the key to navigating circumstances. If we are not careful, we can choose to understand God from the perspective of our circumstances. Few things in life are more disorienting than that. Faith seeks to understand circumstances from God’s perspective. God does not scold, belittle, or resent us for asking him for wisdom. In fact, he encourages us to do it!

Such wisdom begins with us praying. In the intimacy of communion with God, we are granted spiritual insight that draws us close to God and unveils his character and limitless grace.

Respond in Prayer

God our Wisdom, You thrill to have your people talk to you because you love us. Give us a fresh perspective on our circumstances. Thank you for giving us another opportunity to trust you. Help us use the events of our life to plunge deeper into you. Through Jesus, our safety, Amen.

Rob Blackaby