Instead of feeling hopeless and discouraged by life’s trials, we can choose to walk with God in peace and joy.
“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. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable n all they do.” James 1:5-8
At first glance, today’s passage on wisdom doesn’t seem related to trials, but James is actually continuing His thoughts from the previous three verses. We need wisdom to know how to respond to suffering. This means we should see trials from God’s viewpoint and understand His purposes in allowing them in our life. If you want to profit from struggles, be sustained in them, and come through with joy, you must believe:
- The Lord is in control. Your trial won’t go beyond the boundaries He has set.
- He has a specific purpose for your suffering.
- This hardship will prove to be profitable if you submit to God and trust Him through it.
- Trying situations are opportunities for faith to prove genuine and grow stronger.
- When you endure suffering with unexplainable peace and joy, God will demonstrate His sustaining power to others.
- The Father uses trials to produce Christlike character.
- God will walk with you through all difficulties.
If you believe these principles, they will shape how you respond to painful challenges. This perspective eliminates the negative reactions normally elicited by trials and makes supernatural responses possible. Instead of feeling miserable and hopeless, you’ll experience amazing peace and joy
By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission
From In Touch Ministries
Further Reading
• What Make the Wise, Wise? by Mark Buchanan
• Wisdom from an Astronaut by Mike Woodard
• Wisdom from God – by Ashlea Massie
Follow Us On: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Pinterest