"Wisdom, Winds and Waves"

Do you need wisdom to navigate through the winds and waves of the sea of life? When those trials come that are bringing about perfection, do you need help to see your way along the rocky path? Then ask!

Wisdom, Winds and Waves

(James 1:5-8)

Introduction:

A.  In 1999, State Farm Insurance rated the most dangerous intersections for accidents in the United States. The winner (or better, loser) was the corner of Belt Line Road and Midway Road in Addison, Texas. There were 263 reported crashes at that intersection in the Dallas suburb. That averages to about five wrecks per week.
B.  Sometimes as we drive down the road of life, we come to dangerous intersections.  We refer to them as “forks in the road.” They are those moments where a choice we make or don’t make sets us on a course that could influence the rest of our journey. Do we stop or go. Turn right or left. Go ahead or turn back. Perhaps you feel like you are at a dangerous intersection right now in your life.
C.  The Bible speaks about a divine resource we can utilize when we come to those intersections. It is called wisdom. There are many times when we will approach one of those intersections and we will realize we have a shortage of wisdom. This is the very situation James addresses.  James has just finished speaking about the various trials we encounter in life. These are the difficulties and afflictions that come our way. Oftentimes, these trials bring us to one of those intersections where we feel lost and don’t know which way to go. We don’t understand the cause of the trial or its purpose. We begin to feel acutely our shortage of wisdom.

I.  Ask

A.  I don’t want to “lack” anything.  James opens his letter his letter by telling us that when we face the trials that come because of our faith, we need to see the end result.  That end result is that if we stick our faith will develop perseverance and the perseverance must finish its work so that I mature and become complete – now look at the last phrase of verse 4, “not lacking in anything.”

B.  At the beginning of verse five the Greek has connective participle that can be translated “and” or “but” depending on the context.  The NIV chooses to translate it as “if.”  It connects verse 4 to verse 5.  James does not want to see any Christian lacking in wisdom, but if he does, then he needs to pray.  “Ask”

C.  Shouldn’t that be obvious?  You are a dangerous intersection in life – ask for wisdom.  You are facing temptations and feel weak – ask for wisdom.  You are simply don’t know what is next for you and you feel helpless – ask for wisdom.  Why does James have to tell us Christians to ask?  Because too many times we pretend like we are God and can make the right decisions on our own.

D.  Ps 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”  You want wisdom?  Ask!  You want to hear God?  Then take time to listen.  Listen through the reading of the Word.  Listen as your heart touches the Holy Spirit in prayer.  Listen as God speaks through counsel of the spiritually mature.  The challenge I place before you this week to ask God every day in prayer for spiritual wisdom, wisdom from above to guide your path, then listen.  Don’t get upset if God’s timing of an answer is not yours.  You’re not God so it might take you learning to humble yourself and listen.  Start each day seeking wisdom.  End each day laying in bed thanking God for the wisdom he gave you.

II.  Wrong Options

A.  That is the right option, but James is a realist.  He hits us between the eyes and challenges our actions.  We say, “Okay, I will ask God for wisdom everyday, but I know it is just something Jeffrey is telling me to do.  I don’t if God really will do anything for me.”

B.  If anything along those lines enters your mind, then listen as James tells you the truth of that warped think.  Read verses 6-7.

C.  The doubt James refers to here is not intellectual doubt. It is not doubting the existence of God or His ability to answer a prayer. It is the doubt of divided loyalties. It is the vacillating Christian who cannot decide from one trial to the next whether he or she will really trust the Lord and follow His wisdom.  The on again-off again Christian should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. This is not the type of person who really wants God’s wisdom.

D.  James calls this person “double-minded.”  Torn between two directions – your direction and God’s direction.  I believe you can know truth and truth can set you free.  I don’t believe living the Christian life is complicated, difficult – yes, complicated to understand – no.  You don’t have to be like the wave that is tossed by the wind.  You can stand firm knowing God’s good and perfect will.

Conclusion:

A.  You may have watched “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”  In that show a person gets 3 lifelines to us when they are stumped.  The problem is sometimes the audience gives the wrong answer.  Sometimes the trusted friend gives the wrong answer.  Sometimes, even eliminating some of the answers still does not give enough help.  But then the contestant hears the question, “Is that your final answer?”  The contestant must make a choice.  Today you have a lifeline that will always give you the right answer, it is your friend Jesus.  He knows the right path for you.  God’s may lead me through some trials, but I don’t have to be lacking for wisdom.  God is there for me, if I will only turn to him.

B.  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.  If you desire us to pray that prayer with you, then come as we sing.