And just like that, it’s a new season. The Chiefs are coming off back-to-back Super Bowl wins and striving this year for something that has never been done: the three-peat. Pumpkin spice lattes are now fully available at any coffee shop you care to visit. I think I’ve already seen a few flannels not only tied around people’s waists but actually being worn. School has started back up, and activities are in full swing. As some of my southern friends would say: it’s fall, y’all!
For me, not only are we transitioning into this new season of fall, but, as many of you know, I am transitioning into this new season of life as the Student Ministries Director. With that change have come different responsibilities and the realization that, if there is anything I need, it is more of Christ—more of His will and desire for my life and more of His direction. I recognize that I cannot do anything on my own, let alone in this position, so I have been praying through this scripture about wisdom quite consistently:
James 1:5-8
5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, 8 being double-minded and unstable in all his ways.
A few weeks ago, I shared this passage with our students and defined the word “wisdom” as the practical virtue or characteristic that helps give us direction for the life that God wants us to live. Wisdom is knowing the will of God and understanding how it is to be applied. How wonderful would it be to always know the will of God and always be able to perfectly apply it?! I long for that right now in this new season. I desire so greatly to be a vessel through which God’s wisdom flows. When left to my own decision-making and my own power, no matter what, I will always fall flat. But as long as I lean on His power and His wisdom, He is faithful to guide my steps.
I don’t know about you, but I can think of some individuals who are so immensely wise that when they walk into a room, everyone clings to every word that falls from their lips. It is as if what they have to share is directly flowing through them from God Himself. There is so much truth and experience in what they have to say. That kind of person clearly stands out among the rest in the most wonderful of ways. I would argue that this is a clear marker—of the truth that James claims in verse 5—that wisdom is a gift that only comes from God, who wants to give it generously if we would just ask with faith.
Do you desire to be wise? Do you need help navigating a new season of life? Do you need help resisting your flesh and following the paths that Christ has for you? (News flash: you do…) Then you should ask God for His wisdom because He is ready to give it to you generously as long as you ask in faith.
I am grateful for a God who lovingly gives us His gifts. We are undeserving.
Peace and blessings, Grace family.
Bryant Hart