5 If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5
Truth be told, many of us find it far easier turning to people when it comes to making decisions on situations that will affect our futures than we do asking God. Perhaps it’s because to some degree we view God as nothing more than a magic 8 ball who gives us the one line answers like ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘maybe’.
We all desire more concrete answers to that which puzzles us and so find ourselves turning to those around us for solutions. Please don’t get me wrong, there is great wisdom in turning to others for help. But when that person takes preference over God, we are setting both ourselves and them up for serious problems.
Many have tendencies to develop unhealthy dependency on others. While those leading might feel flattered, they really aren’t doing any favours to those who follow them. I believe there needs to be a strong sense of balance to those who are always giving advice – when to give an answer and when to tell them to turn to God who (as our scripture tells us) gives wisdom in every situation without holding back.
Our dependency is first to be on the Lord with whom we do life alongside. As such, we don’t need to go looking for the answer elsewhere. Sometimes it is just a matter of being patient. God is never late, or too early. He will give you the answer you need for that particular matter at just the right time.
Perhaps you are that individual who is always running to every single person looking for a particular answer to a situation you are facing (or lacking the willingness to face). A word of caution if this is you is that you end up getting all sorts of different opinions. This can be very confusing, often placing you in a position where you end up digressing rather than making the progress you wish to see.
In every area of our lives we need to be sure that God is the one we turn to. In time He will lead, even place, the right person in front of you – giving you the wisdom you are seeking. God is anything but a magic 8 ball and as such should never be approached in this manner.
Learn to bring your request to the Lord and then patiently wait. If He doesn’t answer you at first, there is no harm in continually praying about the situation – let Him know how you feel. He is listening. This is seeking God’s face with persistence.
Learn not to be too quick to run after the advice of others as this is nothing more than a lack of wisdom which you are displaying in your life. When God looks at your journey, He desires to lead you to a place where you develop true wisdom. But all wisdom begins with the Lord.
We might get frustrated by our leaders for not always giving us the answer we are looking for, but the truth is that these men and women have learnt to allow God to direct His wisdom towards that individual in their situation in His timing.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father. If I have placed any person above You, I again ask you for forgiveness. Your advice and wisdom is far higher than any person. Lead me in Your ways I pray in Jesus name. Amen.