Ask!

Ask!

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5 KJV

It takes a person who recognises a need to take steps to remedy it. If I do not know or recognise my limits, how would I know what is expected of me, what I am to do in specific situations or when I am overstepping my boundaries? It then appears that the first step towards getting to the place where God can reach me is to realise just how much of God I need. The world celebrates and presents knowledge, degrees and possession and connections as the height of achievement; God seems to be saying here that life has to mean more than just what the physical eyes can see. 

Google defines 'wisdom' this way: "the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement". Today's extract seems not to emphasize knowledge, ability or experience as individual achievements that a man must have, but that wisdom is a combination of all of them, and maybe just a little more. When all I have is experience, what leaaons can I teach others without the temperance of the Holy Spirit of God? If all I have is head knowledge of who God is, how does my life help another who needs guidance and help outside the limits of my professional or theological certifications? It has to mean more than just buzz words or optics; it has to be about who God is and what He can do with a life that seeks Him and wants to do His will. 

And because the devil knows the value of the real deal, he will do all he can to keep me away. He knows that God is the source of true wisdom, and he will do anything to keep me focused on anything else except God. Is it a wonder that the world is at a critical juncture; we have devised so many ways of making life better on the outside, but the world has no solution for the inner turmoil. Only in God can I find all that I need for life and Godliness. Only in God do I find answers to all of life's questions. The world cannot provide respite from the problems it has brought to man. 

And there is a promise from God that when I ask for His help, He will provide it in abundance. I note that there is a kind of wisdom that only God can provide. The person who knows his limits will do well to seek God out. God gives of Himself to all men, no matter what their past looks like. In fact, if God could give His one and only Son Jesus as the perfect solution to our sin, what else can't He freely give? Men give and remind you to be grateful for the rest of your life. God gives and only asks you for your whole life in return. I can't buy His gift with money; the currency of faith is not one that any nation's Central Bank can print out or control. 

Do I see myself the way God sees me? Do I recognise my need for a Saviour or am I filled with a sense of self-sufficiency? Remember, God will not force Himself on any man. He offers His grace free; I have to show up and ask for it. What are you waiting for? His time of favour is here.