Doubt & Devotion

James 1:5-7 ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ⁶ 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. 

Wisdom is almost always one of the main traits lacking in the average believer. The good news is that we only need to ask God, and He will give it to us. If we ask God for wisdom, he gives without calculation. He doesn’t rebuke us for not having it but simply gives us what we ask for in liberation. When Solomon prayed and asked God to give him wisdom, God was pleased and did not hesitate to do so. How much more will He not give it to you, the redeemed of Christ?​

When we think of the word ‘wisdom,’ we often imagine a solitary hermit inside a cave or a contemplative monk in some convent. However, wisdom is not something you acquire in isolation. It is rooted in common knowledge and developed as one spends time engaging with society. Wisdom’s one and only source? God.​

While James asserts that God is willing to bestow wisdom to all who need it, he also emphasizes that the one asking should ask in faith. In essence, God’s priority is those who belong to the community of believers.​

Finally, wisdom is always practical and not merely theoretical. God wants to give it to us freely so we can use it to practice our faith. That is, to remain steadfast in the face of trials (v.12), to be quick to listen and slow to get angry (v.19), and to be doers of the word and not hearers only (v.22).​

Do you need wisdom to stay faithful in the midst of life’s challenges? Do you need insight to learn how to act in love and compassion? Or, do you need understanding so you can put God’s word into practice? The answer is simple: Pray. Ask God for this gift. Knowing His pleasure in giving, you can be absolutely certain: He will freely bestow it upon you.

Heavenly Father, grant me the understanding to discern Your ways in all my decisions. Direct my thoughts and actions today that I may put your Word into practice. Amen.

Eric James Estante

Eric has a deep passion for teaching God’s Word. He holds a degree in Theology from Central Philippine University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. He served as an associate pastor in his local church in Iloilo City for four years. Eric currently volunteers with his wife, Joey, teaching biblical marriage principles at their church in Alabang. They have one son.