By Derek Prince
In spite of God’s clear promise in James 1:5-8 to give us the wisdom we need, we sometimes don’t see our need for wisdom, or we just don’t think to ask for it. A third reason why we may not receive is because we do not ask in faith. God insists that we ask and believe that He has given us what we ask for. That's why James says: "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt". That is consistent with the whole teaching of the Bible. Hebrews 11:6 says:
"…he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (KJV)
So whatever you come to God for, God requires that you believe in Him and that you believe that He will reward you. This applies specifically in this instance to asking for wisdom:
"But when he asks [James says], he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:6-8 NIV)
That's a very strong statement: a double-minded man is unstable in everything that he does, and he cannot expect to receive anything from the Lord.
So, we see that in this seeking for wisdom from God we have to set our hearts and minds to believe that, if we ask in humble faith, God will give us what we ask for. He is waiting to give. Really, He is waiting for us to see our need and ask for it.
Wisdom is a major part of our total inheritance in Jesus Christ. For example, in 1 Corinthians 1:30, Paul says:
"…by His [God’s] doing you are in Christ Jesus [so our whole inheritance is really in Christ Jesus], who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption…" (NASB)
So, Jesus is our wisdom. All our wisdom is in Him. He is also our righteousness, our holiness, and our redemption.
Dear Lord, thank You that You are waiting for us to ask You for wisdom. Thank You that You have given Yourself to us, and that all wisdom is in You. Lord, I pray for all those who are seeking 'wisdom' in the occult, false religions and other places. Please guide them towards You to receive Your wisdom, forgiveness, righteousness, redemption and eternal life. In Your Name, Amen.