ASK FOR WISDOM, NOT JUST A SIGN

Key Text: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not…” James 1:5 KJV

Sometimes we make decision making unnecessarily complicated because we are waiting for God to give us a dramatic sign. “Lord, if I should take this job, let somebody call me before 12 noon.” “If this relationship is right, let me see a butterfly.” My brother, the butterfly may simply be looking for flowers. We sometimes want supernatural signs when God has already given us His Word, wisdom, principles, counsel, and a functioning brain. Discernment is not always about finding a mysterious signal; sometimes it is about applying the wisdom God has already made available.

Gideon asked God for a sign with the fleece in Judges 6:36 to 40, and God graciously accommodated him. But Gideon’s fleece should not become our everyday decision making formula. The New Testament repeatedly emphasises wisdom, spiritual understanding, renewed thinking, and walking in the Spirit. Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we can discern God’s will. This means God does not only want to tell you what to do; He wants to develop you into someone who can increasingly recognise what is wise and consistent with His will.

There is also something liberating about this. Not every decision requires a supernatural encounter. Sometimes you simply need to gather the facts, examine your motives, consider the consequences, pray, seek mature counsel, and make a wise choice. If you are choosing between two legitimate job opportunities, for example, you may not receive a booming voice from heaven saying, “Take Company A.” You may need to consider the environment, responsibilities, compensation, growth opportunities, family implications, your convictions, and the direction you sense God leading you. God’s guidance does not cancel wisdom; it often works through wisdom.

Prayer and Confession
Father, give me wisdom to discern Your will in my everyday decisions. Deliver me from unnecessary confusion and from constantly looking for signs when You have already given me principles to follow. I declare that I have access to the wisdom of God. I will not be ruled by confusion or superstition. My mind is renewed, my understanding is enlightened, and I discern what is pleasing to God. Amen.

Reflection
Am I genuinely seeking God’s wisdom, or am I waiting for a dramatic sign because I am afraid to take responsibility for making a decision?

Further Reading: James 1:5, Romans 12:2, Judges 6:36-40, Proverbs 2:1- 6, Ephesians 5:15-17