Pastor Rick Lipira: Morning Devotion 08/10/22
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Where can I find wisdom?
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 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. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8)
Ahh, the topic of wisdom. We spend a large portion of our life, seeking the wisdom we need to function in the world we live in. We start in preschool, continuing in 12 years of elementary and high school. Many will then move forward with more years seeking a college degree so we can maneuver successfully through the pitfalls and twists and turns of life. That is all well and good, however, there are those who feel by obtaining that degree they have everything they need. The wise person will understand the fear of the Lord is the most important thing you can have. The scripture says, “The foolishness of God (as if there was any foolishness in Him) is wiser than man”. (1 Cor. 1:25) The Bible has a lot to say about true wisdom.
In reading I Kings you learn a lot about King Solomon. This man must follow David, his father, who was a very successful king. Following someone in life who is truly loved by all can be a difficult task. While we are thankful for the “table” they have set for us, there is generally no direction to go except down. Solomon understood the complexity of the situation and when the Lord appeared to him in a dream, He promised to give Solomon anything he wanted. He could have wealth, prosperity, a long life, victory over his enemies, anything he wants. Instead, Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom and an understanding mind so he could govern His people and discern between good and evil. His request so pleased the Lord that He gave Solomon all the above. 1 Kings 4:29 tells us, “God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore”.
I believe it blesses the Lord when we ask Him for wisdom. If you ask God for wisdom, trusting fully in Him to provide it, He will do so. The Bible says, “You do not have because you do not ask God for it.” (James 4:2) I have found myself many times asking the Lord to supply wisdom for various issues, whether it be in business dealings, raising children, signing legal documents, or conducting everyday life. The foolish individual moves forward without asking the Lord’s input, and then following where He leads.
James even warns when we ask, we must not doubt. That person is like the ocean wave that is never steady and always shifting especially in the wind. Warren Wiersbe tells us, “The greatest enemy to answered prayer is unbelief.” Why do we doubt? Is it because we don’t think He is able to provide it? Is it because we don’t think He cares enough to do so? I am here to tell you both are false. God cares for you, and He wants to be a part of your life. Sometimes all He wants is to have a seat at the table. I can promise you he will be your beacon in the midst of the storm.
Pastor Rick Lipira
