As frustrating as it was, I pressed on.  My daughter gave me a ride to the parts store after I confirmed my plan with a mechanic friend.  When the fix was in place, I tested it carefully, not going far until I was confident there was no coolant leak. I thanked the Lord that it happened only a few miles from home, my daughter was able to run me, and that I had the resources and skills to fix the issue. 

You see, the Lord was carefully testing me in all of this. Would I remain patient and grateful?  What a loving Father we have in heaven.! He uses all things to prepare us for the works we are to walk in.  He refines by fire that we may be pure and ready.  Praise him for the trials today and consider it joy as He grows your endurance!

We must open to a larger portion of scripture to understand these verses. Read James 1:1-8  This passage of scripture isn’t suggesting wisdom as just one more thing to add to the prayer list.  If we look closely at the context, we notice that these verses are sandwiched between encouragement and instruction for those enduring trials.  The overall theme is faith in the midst of those trials, the testing of that faith, asking for wisdom to endure, and the final result.

So what is wisdom? The word used in the text is sophia and it specifically refers to knowledge and deep understanding of divine things and the practical application of that knowledge. So taken in context, the wisdom asked for in the text is for knowing how to live and endure in the midst of great trials.  Wisdom could be described as understanding how to live God’s truth whether that be under trial or comfort.

Acquiring Godly wisdom is a process that requires faith. Even asking for wisdom, requires faith that God will hear us and that He will answer according to His lovingkindness.  During times of trial it can be even harder for us to see that God is developing our faith and increasing our wisdom. We know this is the case, however.  If we back up to verse 3, we see that the testing of our faith produces endurance .  Verse 4 goes on to say, “let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  Growing faith and wisdom is part of God’s plan for you.

What are you struggling with today? Could it be that God has allowed this struggle in your life so that you would cry out to Him asking for wisdom and that your faith in Him would  increase?  Not only do I believe that it is possible, I believe it is probable.  He wants you to KNOW, LIVE, and SPEAK the Truth….all by faith in Him.

My kids have been praying daily for over 3yrs for the release of Pastor Saeed. When I heard the news that he was freed I was overcome with joy for Saeed, Naghmeh, Jacob and Rebekka.  I was even more overjoyed knowing that thousands who persevered in faith praying(including my children), can now see that God is faithful. What did this struggle do to their faith?

May your faith be strengthened today as you ask in faith for wisdom to endure the trials that you are facing. Know that God is faithful and will answer in His timing and according to His will.  

Blessings to you in Christ…

#klstruth #truthtalk4life #godlywisdom