James 1:5 James writes to the Dispersion, a persecuted, scattered church. New believers, just learning what it is to follow Jesus. James encourages them to be joyful in temptation, proving their faith through endurance, steadfastness, patience and to ask God for wisdom. Many had just surrendered their lives, committing to a training in righteousness, learning to trust God, to ask Him for what they needed. To ‘Open a personal line of communication’, having a personal relationship with the sovereign God. It was a lot to take in, but there was no better time than the present to grow in Truth and Righteousness. Here we are, over 2000 years later, listening to and taking hold of this truth for ourselves. Humbly recognizing the incredible difference between the wisdom of man and the wisdom of God. Like a vast ocean continually feeding smaller bodies of water, refreshing them, keeping them alive…we, too, recognize the need to be open and able to receive wisdom from our Creator, the Sustainer of life, the Omniscient One. Being human, and a receiver can be difficult if we filter His answer through our fingers… our own understanding. His Wisdom may come in the form of something we’d never even thought of, or perhaps something we don’t want to hear. His Wisdom comes when we ask for it. James tell us He gives it liberally, ungrudgingly, without reproach or fault finding. He gives His Wisdom without looking us over to see if we deserve it or not. When we ask for wisdom, are we ready to hear and react in Truth? Do we question what He reveals to us? Do we…ask again to see, perhaps, if He has a different answer? In order to receive His Wisdom, we’re to ask in faith, without doubt or hesitation, without wavering… do we know Him well enough to know when it’s Him? Lord, we ask for Your Wisdom knowing you promise to give it. Find us ready and willing to listen and to move according to Your Word. Help us to hear You and press in to what we know is true.
