James 1:5-6 “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.”
Parenting is a job that takes infinite wisdom. From the moment our babies our born, our experience, patience, and endurance are taxed to the limit. Even all the books that are out there cannot help us with every situation we will face in the ensuing years. This is why I am so grateful for a God Who possesses limitless wisdom and understanding.
He tells us that when we lack wisdom we should ask Him, and He will give generously out of His rich supply. We never need to fear that He will reject us or make us feel silly. He will answer our cries without reproach and guide us down the path we need to go.
I remember one day feeling completely overwhelmed with our laundry situation. With two adults and five children ranging in ages from newborn to eight, I was exhausted and overwhelmed. I would make piles of clothing on the ironing board in my tiny laundry room and before I could even put it away one of the youngsters would pull a garment from the bottom of the stack causing all the clean clothes to tumble to the floor where they would get mixed in with the dirty items.
I remember so clearly asking God for wisdom with this menial problem that was such a burden for me. Soon afterwards I got an idea. On my next trip to Walmart, I visited the Rubbermaid section and God led me to the perfect answer – a plastic dresser that had removable tubs for drawers. I bought two stacks with a drawer for each person and an extra for kitchen towels. It was the perfect solution and for twenty years it has served me well.
But there is a condition to this gift of wisdom. God tells us we must ask in faith without any doubting. In the moment of our confusion, as we kneel to pray, we must believe that God will give us the answers we seek. Whether it be a simple problem like dirty laundry or something complicated like reasoning with an unruly teenager, our God has the wisdom to deal with the situation.
Believing in God’s promised wisdom must happen after the fact as well as during the crisis. After praying about a difficult situation and acting on what you believe God has told you to do, the situation may not improve immediately. At these times, it is easy to start doubting whether or not you handled the problem correctly. Comfort yourself by remembering God’s promise to guide you. Don’t second-guess your decisions, but wait patiently in faith for God to work. He will be faithful!
Over the years, I have gone again and again to the Lord with small and large problems. He has always provided the wisdom I needed in each situation. During the difficult times, I have crushed my doubts when things didn’t always work out the way I wanted them to by remembering His promise and resting in it.
In what areas do you need wisdom? Call upon the Lord today. No matter how big or small the dilemma He will generously give of His bountiful supply to you too – if you will only ask and believe.
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