Greetings, hotline callers!
Today, we’re going to explore James 1:5-8 and learn how to approach God amid trials and why asking for wisdom is so important for enduring and growing through them.
5If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6But 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. 7That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
James 1:5–8 (NIV)
Trials can often make us feel confused and disoriented. But not to worry! We have the perfect solution for you: God’s 24/7 Wisdom Hotline! No, it’s not an app, and you don’t need a subscription (although, you can definitely consider it the ultimate “divine” plan).
To promote us to call God for wisdom, James reminds us of God’s wonderful nature in v 5:
- He gives “generously” (v 5). God isn’t tight-fisted with His wisdom. The line is toll-free. He delights in lavishing His wisdom upon those who ask for it.
- He gives to all (v 5). God’s wisdom isn’t restricted to a select few. Direct support is available to everybody. If you belong to God, His wisdom is for you, no matter your circumstances.
- He gives “without finding fault” (v 5). When we approach God in times of distress, He doesn’t shake His head in disappointment, “This is the 49th times this week”. He lovingly guides and leads us without judgment.
So, how can you get in touch with this wisdom hotline? Well, you don’t need a fancy phone or a high-speed internet connection. All you need is a humble and sincere heart that’s willing to dial into the heavenly realm through prayer. God is more reliable than any customer service or tech support you’ve ever encountered (and that’s saying something)!
Worried about the response time? Fret not! God’s wisdom hotline is open 24/7, 365 days a year (366 on leap years, of course). There’s no wait time or annoying hold music; just pure, loving, divine guidance from God Himself.
So, the next time you’re in a pickle, remember to tap into the ultimate source of wisdom. After all, who wouldn’t want to take advantage of God’s 24/7 Wisdom Hotline?
In what specific areas of your life do you need God’s wisdom to help you endure and grow through trials?
What stuck out to me in today’s devotion was the reminder that God’s wisdom is available to anyone who believes. This reminds me of my relationship with my parents and how they’re always open to giving me advice with nothing in return. All they want is to see me grow, and this is the same case with God and I. One specific area that I need guidance in would be my career. I pray that God gives me the guidance and wisdom to discern what career He knows I will grow in.
What an awesome reminder. God’s hotline is free, no wait times, is available 24/7. To be honest when I was going through recovery and trials in my life, that was my morning routine. I would drop on my knees every morning and start off with “ The serenity prayer” I have faith that GOD heard me cry out to him and he rescued me. Today I hang to God and know I’m not alone and will call his hotline when I am in need or thankful. Just for today is a AA saying. Just for today I thank God for where has brought me and I will continue to pray that he will guide me through. Have a good day everyone 🙏🏻💕
(from Brian)
There is a saying, if you’re not growing, you’re dying. Never are we too old or smart to learn more to improve ourselves. I need God’s wisdom in all aspects of my life and not just during trials. Specifically and currently, I need his wisdom on how to better lead my family.
The specific area that I need God’s wisdom is in the area of patience. Sometimes I can become impatient and try to fix things during a trial. But I have found that sometimes God allows trials to persist because there is something that He wants us to see or understand in the midst of a trial. I have become much more patient over the years but I still believe I could use a lot more wisdom concerning this topic.
I sometimes face trials when living with roommates, Burmese people, because I am the only Japanese in the room and they often speak their language, and I sometimes feel left out or excluded. While respecting and appreciating their culture is important, the language barrier can be challenging. Seeking God’s wisdom and guidance can help me endure and grow through this trial. I can try to find ways to communicate and connect with those around me, perhaps by learning some of their language or finding other ways to bridge the gap.
It is amazing how God is always available to help guide us through different trials and challenges in life. A specific area of my life that I need God’s wisdom is how to navigate through different plans in my life and to know which one is in God’s purposes for me. I pray that God will open my heart and my mind so that I walk in the right direction that God wants me to take.