Knowledge or Wisdom?

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

Often I want to know what is going to happen. Just give me a glimpse and I will feel more secure. God in His infinite wisdom knows this is not true. I still will want more and more so that I can control the outcome. What I am asking for is knowledge. Knowledge about situations, people and trials.

A good friend of mine once told me to just lift my hands into the air and confess-"God is bigger than I am stupid". It has become my mantra. :)

In James we are told to ask for wisdom. Wisdom is very different than knowledge.

I heard it explained this way;

• Knowledge is the ability to take things apart,
• Wisdom is the ability to put things together.

I want to examine every detail of things when I have the knowledge about them. God instead wants to give us wisdom to know how to make sense of things that happen. When we are in the midst of a trial we can ask for wisdom to put all of the pieces together.

Several years ago in the midst of a long and painful trial, I kept asking God to show me what was to come of all of it. I would plead with Him to help me understand his plan. I wanted knowledge! It wasn't until I began to ask for His wisdom to stand up under the trials, that I began to see clearly and have peace.

If you are having trouble seeing things clearly, ask God who gives generously. He will give you wisdom to look at your trials differently. Remember that James tells us to consider trials with joy. We can do that when we have asked and been given wisdom to persevere.

Father,

I like knowing things! I admit it. I have issues with control. Thank you for not holding that against me. I praise you for offering your wisdom to us. May I receive your wisdom today as I serve you. Help me to ReFlect your joy as I put my trust in your plan, in your knowledge in your control.

Jann