Praying for Wisdom

Lesson Four • Work to Rest
Devotion 4: Praying for Wisdom
Dr. Randy T. Johnson 

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

As I was walking down the hall, I felt like I was on my knees the whole time, praying, pleading, and begging God for wisdom. I was in my late twenties, serving as a Youth Pastor while coaching and teaching at the Christian school across the parking lot. However, the Senior Pastor had taken another church. So, now I was also the Interim Pastor and the only one on staff. I had taught Sunday School, preached the morning message, had a full afternoon, and preached the evening message when a new family approached me. It was a mom with her high school daughter, and a man who I found out later was a friend of the family. The mother introduced herself and then dropped a bombshell of a topic on me. I was beyond drained, but I could not put this conversation off until later in the week. I invited them to my office. Fortunately, I needed to get one more chair. So, as I was walking down the hall, I felt like I was on my knees the whole time, praying, pleading, and begging God for wisdom.

They explained the situation. I hurt for them and with them. It was traumatic. I was not sure what else to say. Then I asked a question. It is not the question counseling textbooks would suggest, but it changed the session. It brought comfort. I share all of this because I prayed for wisdom and God showed up! I thought God would give me answers, but He gave me a question. I learned that counseling may be more about asking the right questions than having all the answers.

Through the following decades of serving the Lord, James 1:5 has become foundational in my life. I love breaking down the verse:

“If any of you lacks wisdom” – I clearly qualify. Do you?

“Let him ask God” – This does not exclude training, but it is a beautiful invitation from God that He is approachable and willing to get involved.

“Who gives generously” – He does not hold back.

“To all without reproach” – We all hate asking some people for help because we know they will mock us. God does not criticize; He welcomes us and shows kindness.

“And it will be given him.” – This is a beautiful promise.

I still regularly pray for wisdom in counseling situations, but I also pray for it in my daily walk. This verse and promise apply to your schedule, finances, relationships, and career. Pray for wisdom and watch God show up!