Deaf Devotion 11/14/2009

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 NLT

James is very specific here. He is talking to us directly. James’ goal is to encourage YOU.

Have you ever had a time in your life when you needed answers for a problem you were facing, but it seemed that you just couldn't come up with the right solution? Even though you tried hard to figure things out, did it seem like the right answer to your problem kept eluding you?

If you've ever faced a time when you needed:
Wisdom about how to pay your bills;
Wisdom about how to deal with debt;
Wisdom about how to reverse a decline you were experiencing in your business;
Wisdom about how to resolve challenges with your children;
Wisdom about how to fix things between you and your spouse;
Wisdom about how to get along with your boss or fellow employees;
Wisdom about how to make key decisions that affect your future
- Then the word “need” or "lack" in James 1:5 perfectly describes you!

The word “need” or "lack" is the Greek word “leipo”, a Greek word that pictures not having enough of something. In our modern-day language, we might call this a shortfall, a shortage, a scarcity, or a deficiency. Some people today speak of a "shortfall" of finances. When one experiences such a financial shortfall, it greatly messes up their ability to do business as necessary. Or when a city experiences an electrical blackout, they experience a "shortage" of electrical power. This kind of shortage paralyzes the whole city and has a powerfully negative effect on people's lives.

These kinds of scarcities and deficits could be described by the Greek word “leipo,” which is translated "lack" in the King James Version of James 1:5. But the "lack" James is referring to is not sugar, flour, eggs, milk, butter, meat, or gasoline. James says, "If any of you lack wisdom.…"

When James says, "If any of you lack wisdom," the word "wisdom" is the Greek word “sophos.” This word “sophos” could describe explanation, perception, or even experience.

The word "ask" is the Greek word “aiteo.” The word “aiteo” means one is asking for and continues asking for assistance to meet specific physical needs, such as food and shelter. This person may insist or even demand that certain needs be met. But the asking is done with great honor and respect being given to the one being asked. The word “aiteo” also expresses the idea that the one asking has a full expectation to receive what has been asked for.

When James tells us to "ask" God for the wisdom we need, the Greek tense used is a command. This plainly means God isn't suggesting that we come to Him for wisdom; He is commanding us to do so!

When these words are used together in one phrase, it could be translated:
"If anyone lacks an explanation as to “why” or “how”, let him request it with confidence.…"
"If anyone has a shortage of wisdom, he should claim it.…"
"If anyone is confused and doesn't know what to do, he should be bold to ask.…"

God wants us to come to Him for wisdom first instead of trying to figure things out on our own. Instead of relying on our education and the books on our shelf to give us the answers we are looking for, go to God first and firmly ask Him for wisdom. Approach Him with respect and honor, but also be bold. As children of God, we have a right to request wisdom from God when we need it! And the expectation is that He will share his huge supply of wisdom to meet whatever need we may have.

You see, our biggest problem is not the one that is staring us right in the face. Our biggest problem is our lack of wisdom and our need for God’s wisdom about how to deal with that situation.

Why? Whatever we feel we need or even lack is already taken care of. This week I heard three Pastors preach on the Apostle Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” They tried to translate it as medical, demonic, and even as spiritual. The point is not the “thorn in the flesh” or what we “lack” or “need.” God said it to Paul as He says it to us, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (Paul continues…) So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT)

God is in the middle of our crisis.
God is in the middle of our finances, our marriages, our homes, our businesses.
God knows and He tells us to call on HIS wisdom to take care of anything we lack for the sole purpose that HE is glorified in what HE has done, is doing, and will continue to do for us.