Thursday, August 13, 2015

just ask

Today's readings: Nehemiah 3:15-5:13, 1 Cor 7:25-40, Psalm 32:1-11, Prov 21:5-7

Paul makes an important distinction in today's reading. He says that God hasn't given him a specific teaching in the area of whether believers should marry.... but that God HAS given him wisdom, which he (and his readers) can trust.

Sometimes God reveals Himself to us. He gives us clear directions that we don't have to figure out. Like "Don't kill people" and "Love each other" and "Take care of the poor". These are not things we have to decide for ourselves. He's made it obvious what we should do.

However, there are other areas in our lives where it's not so clear. In those areas, He gives us our wisdom to figure out what we should do. For instance, our job situation. I like my job, but should I look for another one? Should I take a job that pays more but requires more of my time?

What about relationships? Should I continue being friends with this person who consistently hurts me? Where do I draw the line?

These are parts of our lives that need answers, and we're not going to open the Bible and read "You should take this job" or "Keep being friends with Kevin unless he steals from you."

But what do we do if we find ourselves needing to use wisdom to make our decision... but we feel like we lack that wisdom? Well, the Bible makes it really easy. It comes right out and says, "If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask... and IT WILL BE GIVEN TO HIM." (Emphasis mine, obviously.) Did you see that? It doesn't say "You might get some wisdom" or "You will be thrown into a situation where you can learn wisdom if you try hard enough".

It says your prayer will be answered. It WILL be answered. God WILL give you wisdom. Just ask.

Thank You, God, for giving us wisdom to make the tough decisions.

1 comment:

Julie said...

We have such an awesome God.