James 1:5 ~ Daily Devotional October 23 2022

James 1:5 Devotional

Maturity and Completeness through enduring trials

In James 1:5, James encourages you and me to ask for wisdom. But James’ encouragement is strange because it is tied to being immature and incomplete.

Moreso, James, in chapter 1 verses 2-4, has already taught that God uses trials to mature and complete us. And when we have matured and are complete, we lack nothing.

Ask for wisdom and God will give it to you

Therefore, in case anyone lacks wisdom, which is a sign of being immature and incomplete, then he/she ought to ask for it from God. God is generous to all, He will give that person wisdom. When Solomon asked for wisdom to rule His people, God not only gave him wisdom, but He also gave him wealth.

Believe and do not doubt

According to James, when you ask for wisdom, you must believe and not doubt (James 1:6). Because doubt will make you not receive wisdom, or anything else from God (James 1:7).

Moreover, Mark, in Mark 11:24, says: “whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours”. So do similar passages found in Matthew 7:7, 21:22, John 14:13-14, and John 16:24 say.

Wrong intentions

However, James in James 4:3 says: “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” That is the condition of your heart and your motive at the time of asking is critical.

Therefore, are you asking in a manner to glorify and honors God? Or do you want only to fulfill your desires, that does not glorify and honor Christ?

Prayer/Blessing

Lord, I thank You for Your readiness to generously grant wisdom. I ask that You give me wisdom. Thank You for giving me wisdom in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

May you in faith ask for wisdom for victorious living. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 28 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))