Wisdom
How would you describe a wise person? Where does wisdom come from?
James has taught us that we should welcome trials as friends because they have come to test our faith, develop perseverance, and make us more mature. He ends this portion of teaching by reminding us that we will need to attain wisdom as we go through tough times so that we can rightly handle what comes our way.
Think About It
Like you, I have been through many trials in life. There is no need here to make a list so that we can see who has endured the most. However, I would like to share with you many of the God lessons I have received during difficult times. I consider these to be wise principles the Lord has given to me and I still call on them to this day.
Lessons of Wisdom for Tough Times
- Lesson #1: The overarching reason for a trial is to test faith making it stronger and more accurate.
- Lesson #2: We are tempted to make big decisions in the midst of trials as a means of escape but wisdom says we should patiently walk through these times learning about ourselves and God while resisting quick fixes.
- Lesson #3: Trials expose my mistakes, weaknesses, and false beliefs.
- Lesson #4: Where possible, one should maintain their normal activities while going through trials – withdrawal is an escape.
- Lesson #5: Focus on healthy thoughts and healthy words. Dark thoughts create ugly words and behaviors that may haunt you for years to come.
- Lesson #6: Find a godly person or two who can walk with you through the valley of trouble helping you process what you are experiencing.
- Lesson #7: Remember, trouble is normal. Jesus said that in this world we will have trouble.
- Lesson #8: Sometimes it will feel like God has left you. That feeling is one of the false beliefs he will expose.
- Lesson #9: If you like to write, record your thoughts in a journal so that you can look back some day. I do not want to spoil what you will discover but it is absolutely amazing.
- Lesson #10: Your trial will make a positive difference in your life and in the life of others as long as you determine to get better, not bitter.
I could keep writing but I won’t. Instead, I encourage you to practice what Scripture says. If you think you need more wisdom, ask God and he will give it to you. He also warns us not to ask for wisdom and then go out and do our own thing. He calls this type of person “double-minded” and “unstable”.
Try It
This is what I would like you to do. If you are going through a tough time right now, send us a prayer request. We will gladly pray for you. If you have learned some wisdom from God through trials and would like to share those with us, please do so by clicking here. We would love to hear from you!
