Bits and Pieces: Instruction

"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways," (James 1:5--8).

* The persecuted believers to whom James wrote needed God's perspective in the facing of their trials. He instructs them to continually go to the Source of wisdom, the Lord God Himself, when encountering testing. And we can most certainly expect His instruction when our motives are pure and we have a single-minded desire for His glory.

* When we, like the believers to whom James wrote, face various trials and difficulties, we need God's perspective on the situation. James assures us that the Lord will reveal His wisdom as we approach Him in faith and whole-hearted devotion. His instruction is reserved for those who are genuinely teachable.

* We need the ability to view life from God's vantage point at all times, but we especially need such wisdom when experiencing the stress of trials. Such encouragement James gives, urging us to approach our gracious Lord for His inerrant instruction.
Oh that we would have a single-minded determination to faith Him amid our difficulties!