by Rev. Dr. Timothy James, associate general minister and administrative secretary of the National Convocation
“If any of you is lacking in wisdom ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1: 5-6
It is because of our ignorance that we need to go to God in prayer and ask for wisdom. Living in these times of uncertainty and crisis, we do not know what to do, what to say or how to say what is needed. We need wisdom, that God will give us if we ask. With everything going on all around us we must be about resisting temptation and enduring trials, because it is a requirement of our faith. Praise God, our faith grows and matures when we resist temptation and endure trials that come our way. James wants us to know that our faith is a spiritual gift but for our practical and daily living. Faith without work, service, trust, duty and loyalty is dead.
Prayer is the exercise of our soul that gives us wisdom and power from the Lord. Prayer is the marvelous privilege of every child of God, to get to know God and grow closer and closer to God in relationship. You have heard it said, “Prayer is the key to the Kingdom and faith unlocks the door.” What stands out here for me is “faith unlocks the door.” James reminds us that what we need from God, whatever we ask for, ask in faith and do not doubt. Have the faith to believe that our God hears and answers prayer. God really wants to give us what we need and the wisdom that we lack. These tough times that we are passing through are allowed by God, in order to refine us and informs our greater dependency on God.
The lack of faith in the goodness and the promises of God is regarded as sin. So, let us never deny the grace, mercy and power of God. Let us by wisdom from God, put our faith to work daily each-and-every-day From the rising of the sun, till the going down of the same, God is worthy of praise, God is also able to supply your every need. Stand on an unwavering faith and you will come to know for yourself that God can, and God will. We serve an awesome and all-powerful God who can do anything but fail. Nothing is too hard for our God. If God be for us, He is more than the world, the pandemic, racism, poverty, sickness, or any situation against us.
Let us pray? Dear God, our living and loving Heavenly Father, You, are good and You are kind. We thank you for how you have kept us thus far through this pandemic crisis. We pray your eternal grace upon those 136,000 people who have died by this indiscriminate virus. We pray Your comfort and grace with their families and loved ones. We pray for patients around the world suffering many illnesses. We pray for the nurses, doctors, emergency medical technicians, police, firemen and care givers serving, protecting and caring for the sick. We remember those who have been financially challenged at this time. Oh, Great Provider, Thy will be done, to meet needs and make ways and open doors of opportunity. Lord, we pray for peace and calm in our homes and communities. We pray with specificity and confidence as Terri Owens, our General Minister encourages us, with unwavering faith in Jesus’ name.
Amen.