James 1:5 Let Him Ask of God

James 1:5 (KJV)  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. 

Consider the spiritual chain that begins with a test: A trial produces patience. Patience, or perseverance, finishes its work by helping us become more mature, more “perfect and entire”, more like Jesus. This is spiritual growth. It is God’s goal to have us conformed to (in the likeness of) the image of His dear Son (Rom. 8:29). Testings are His tools to accomplish this goal.

If we really want God’s help in trials, we can be sure that He will give it gladly. This verse isn’t a promise to take trials away. Rather, they are an assurance that if we’re willing to trust God even when we can’t see the sense of it all, He will help us benefit from the experience.

This verse stresses the importance of the wisdom that God will give to believers. This wisdom involves more than knowledge. Many people know a lot but can’t apply what they know to their problems. Wisdom means knowing how to put the facts together to come up with a clear understanding.

We seek God through prayer and His Word so that we may understand His will. The Book of Psalms is the saints’ prayer book in times of trials. All kinds of emotions are described there and how the psalmist found joy and victory with God. Take time to read and meditate on it.

May the Lord strengthen His dear ones going through trials. Amen.