Ask and Trust

James 1:5-6
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. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 

It's one thing to seek wisdom, but it’s another to have faith in God and the wisdom He gives.

Recently, Tim and I and other family members have had to make difficult decisions for people we love. With each choice, we’ve stepped into a space where we need guidance and wisdom. What’s the best for our loved ones? How do we help them move forward and stay safe?

In my sixty-seven years, I’ve made a lot of decisions. I am sad to say; I haven’t always asked God for wisdom or listened for Him to impart his wise words. In those times, I’ve fallen on my face and then my knees, before the One who generously gives His wisdom, if only I trust Him.

The picture Jesus’ brother, James, paints of the person who seeks God’s wisdom, but fails to believe smacked me in the head. It struck me that I ask for wisdom, but at times don’t believe God will share it with me. I’ve tossed about like the wave and doubted God’s help. Shame on me.  

Will you join me in seeking wisdom and believing without doubt—before making decisions, before commenting on social media, before stepping out of bed in the morning? I don’t know about you, but I need God’s help through every single day of my life. And He gives it to us, if we simply ask and trust.

God loves us and wants the absolute best for us. He’s created every human with the opportunity to choose wisely.

Seek God’s wisdom.

James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

The Good, Good Shepherd

Isaiah 40:11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Matthew 18:12-14
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

I'd find the widest maple tree in the yard and squeeze myself as small as I could, behind it. The child who was 'it' would call out "Ready or not, here I come" to let us know they were searching for our hiding place. As a kid, my neighbors, cousins, and I spent endless hours playing hide-and-go-seek. We especially loved playing from dusk to dark. But in the game of hide-and-go-seek, we didn't want to be caught, or we'd be the 'it' person.

As an adult, I rarely play that old childhood game, unless one of my grandkids talks me into it. But I can tell you there have been times when I've played hide-and-go-seek with God. I've buried my head and ignored his wisdom, his call, or his word. I've run the other way in shame, rolled myself in a cocoon of misery and regret. But you know what, he came after me. He sought me out. Why? Because he loves me no matter what. The God who created the universe called me by name and told me I am his child.

Jesus is often called the Good Shepherd. As a shepherd, he searches for that single sheep that strays away from the flock. He chases that one little lamb who lost his way. He seeks in the shadows, climbs the mountains, tears down the walls to find that one who is lost. Once he finds us, he holds us, loves us and gives hope beyond hope. Jesus said he's happier about finding that one lost sheep than about the ninety-nine who stayed put. Why? Because Jesus wants every child of his to be found, to be saved from the evil in this world. He wants every soul to rest in him.

Jesus loves like no other. Love him back.