Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

November 20, 2005

HANDLING OUR DIFFICULTIES IN A BIBLICAL WAY

James 1:2-8

Conclusion

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the LORD; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. (NIV)

Last week we learned that we need to accept the fact of trials and understand the work of trials in part one of Handling Our Difficulties in a Biblical Way. Now in conclusion let’s consider the next step.

ASK FOR WISDOM IN TRIALS vs. 5-8 Wisdom is the practical side of knowledge. It is the ability to put knowledge to work. The Old Testament concept of wisdom is viewed as a mastery of living in accordance with God’s expectations – or learning to live life skillfully. Three elements are necessary for effective asking or “prayer sense.”

Sense of Need v.5a Having Biblical knowledge is one thing. However, often we need that knowledge translated in the reality of an experience we are passing through. We need wisdom other than our own. We need wisdom to see this experience in the context of God’s purpose.

Sense of Hope v.5b “He should ask God” Note the certainties:

1. Who gives to all – No personal preferences.

2. Generøusly - No limitations.

3. Without finding fault - No reprimands.

4. It will be given him – No withholding.

The old hymn reminds us, “there is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God.” Wisdom can be found in abundance in the presence of God.

Sense of Confidence vs. 6-8

1. How are we to ask? In faith asking for wisdom.

2. What are we like when we doubt? Like a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind.

3. What can we expect from God when we doubt? Nothing. Jesus could not do many works in His own country because of their unbelief (see Matthew 13:58).

The Bottom Line

Are you at the place in your life where difficulties are coming at you from every direction? If so, learn to accept the fact of difficulties, learn to understand the work of those difficulties and ask for wisdom in your trials. A big order, right? Of course. But a bigger God. AMEN?

God bless and keep on serving Him!