James 1:5-8 (ESV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
In approaching trials and gaining steadfastness to endure trials James encouraged his readers to ask for Wisdom. Many times it can be difficult to count our trials as joy. When we look at the experience through God's wisdom we can see how these trials can make us better servants for God.
God is no respecter of persons, loves us, and wants the best for us. We must at all times remember that all things can work together for good to for those that love God (Romans 8:28) and that God will not allow us to be tempted above what we can bear (I Cor. 10:13). We must look at the experiences we face and seek to understand how God can use the trial for good and look for the way of escape in temptation.
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
God gives liberally. James writes that God gives "without reproach". God doesn't get upset that we ask several times. God doesn't remind us of a mistake we made with something that He has provided and deny our request. God is the loving father who cares about our needs. God hears and answers as needed in the moment. An answered prayers isn't always a yes. Answered prayers come in many different responses -- no, later, something different, and yes.
We don't always like to hear no. God knows our needs and sometimes the best answer to a prayers is no. We do not have the infinite wisdom of God to be able to see what we really need. We have limited vision and we must trust when God answers our prayer with no. Sometimes we need to wait and God's answers is to wait. Other times our needs are different than what we are asking and God answers our prayer as needed. Sometimes God surprises us and the answer is even more than we could have imagined. Many times looking back at answered prayers that were not yes we are able to see how God provided just what was needed at the time, even though in the moment we couldn't see that.
Let us always turn our concerns over to God. Let us trust his answers to our prayers and may we always seek the wisdom from above as we face life's challenges. Our Heavenly Fathers know our needs, cares about us greatly and desires what is best for us.
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