James 1:5 AMPC
[5] If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.
James, the writer of this book, described himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. His message was to the twelve tribes which were scattered abroad at the time, due to circumstances such as trials, persecution, and even the desire of God to let the gospel of Jesus spread to the ends of the earth. He begun his letter by reminding his audience that whatever they were passing through was in line with God's purposes for them. God's way of building capacity and capability in me may not always make sense to me, but by surrender to His will, the journey will be worth it. It takes a man with a different content and volume to count trials as a thing of joy. It takes a man who understands the message of eternity to look forward to tough times as a way to strengthen and deepen his faith in God. Can I see my earthly experiences the same way that James lays it out here? Can God be pleased to take me on this journey, knowing that He will take glory in and through me?
That is the foundation of the verse above. For all who have surrendered their lives to Jesus, you have access to the riches of God's grace in all its fullness. I can make an approach to the throne of grace and take hold of all that the throne represents. The throne of grace is the place where authority, power, gifting and ability, among many other things, are made available. I note that a throne represents a kingdom and a specific sphere of influence. A throne operates over a specific territory. I cannot claim total and absolute allegiance to different authorities at the same time. It means that if I am to make a demand, it must be tied to the authority I am subject to. How can I claim the benefits of a kingdom that I do not recognise? How can I take advantage of any advantage that is not mine by virtue of my residence? That would be fraud. What I get is tied to whose I am; what I get is tied to where I am. Who do you belong to? Who directs the affairs of your life?
One of the benefits of the relationship and citizenship is wisdom. Now, it is critical to note that there are different versions of it that can be accessed. There is a worldly version, and is available for all who are citizens of the world. Of course, there is also the heavenly version, which comes from the Father of lights and who gives to all who come to Him in sincerity and in truth. The start point here is an acknowledgement of your weakness and inadequacy, and a total dependence on God. If I know the need, I can go to the right source for help. If I think that I am sufficient of and by myself, then I cannot be helped. God does not give like someone who is afraid to lose what he has. He has resources in abundance; no demand on earth can exhaust the rich resources of heaven. Ask God for all you want, as it is to His glory that men can show off the riches of His grace. He gives to all who ask, without finding fault or excuses not to give. He is not man. Ask; He is waiting for you. God's time of favour is here.
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