Gaining Wisdom

How many of us have faced challenges in our lives? I bet you are thinking who in the world hasn't had them right? Do you ever find that the same lesson keeps showing up? If you are like me you are probably wondering why God is allowing you to go through it again. My friend and I will often say "I swear I've learned this lesson already, yet God is giving me the lesson again so apparently I didn't pass the first test." Sound familiar???

I love the definition of being spiritually mature: "having courage and desire to face the truth about ourselves and our lives instead of running from it. We are motivated to seek God, and we care more about our insides than our outward appearance. Spiritual maturity is something God desires for us." Is there something God is asking you to face or overcome? I know He has shown me where I'm falling short and the book of James is a great place for us to gain wisdom, I encourage you read it. There's great lessons about trials, temptations, patience, perseverance, humility, faith, grace, mercy, wisdom.

James 1:2-6 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 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. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

In order for us to gain wisdom we have to be more concerned about what God thinks rather than the people around us. This means being consistent and mindful of what we are saying or doing at every moment of every day. Sounds difficult to do though, but if we ask God to guide us he will supply us with everything we need to overcome every challenge.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Welcome each challenge you face because you are gaining lessons and wisdom from each.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime