DAY 9: Draw near to God when you need wisdom - 12 February 2015
By Benescke Janse Rensburg
What do you need wisdom for today? Do you have to manage a crisis at work or face a challenge in your marriage or with one of your children? Do you need wisdom to know if you should start your own business, stop work in order to spend more time with your children or do you need God’s guidance to know whether you should apply for a new job or stay at your current company? Is the person you’re dating your future spouse? Or do you simply need wisdom to know what you can do to make your loved one feel special on his or her birthday? Have you spoken to God about these challenges?
Remember, no situation is ever too big or too small for God to guide us in it. If something is important to you, it is important to God. In James 1:5 we read: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” And in Proverbs 3:6 we read: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
How important is faith when I ask God for wisdom?
Extremely important. In Hebrews 11: 6 we read: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” When we ask God for wisdom, we must trust that He will lead us. Make time to quietly listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Write down what you hear and pray that God will confirm it. The enemy will always try to make us doubt, so be sure you protect your mind from wrong thoughts. In James 1:6-7 we read: “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”
What if I thought I heard it right but now realize I was wrong?
There is mercy for every season in your life, and God knows your heart. In Romans 8:28 we read: “ … in all things God works for the good of those who love him . . .” No wrong decision can ever cause a situation to become so helpless, that God is not able to turn it around. He is a God of second chances. Stay close to Him and seek His face. You might be amazed at how things can turn out.
How important are good counsellors in the decision-making process?
In Proverbs 15:22 it is written: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” However, make sure that the people you talk to, have a relationship with God and that they have your best interests at heart. God can confirm your route or change it through the advice of counsellors. Choose them right.
Remember to be grateful. . .
In Philippians 4: 6-7 we read: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Instead of doubting and worrying, tell God exactly what you need and start to thank and praise Him in advance. It is a sign to Him that we are putting our faith and trust in Him.
What do you need wisdom for today? Let’s draw near to God, ask Him for wisdom and begin to thank Him in advance. We might stand in amazement at how open and closed doors fill our lives as God is protecting us. God bless.
Father God, thank you that I can bring every situation in my life to You. Please give me wisdom for (name the situation) and help me to follow your guidance. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
• Do you have a testimony of what God has done in your life? Or for any contributions or questions on the topic, send an e-mail to