What are you struggling with and how are you responding? asks Jamie Munson. Are you asking God in faith for wisdom?

The trial of man

Life is made up of one sanctifying trial after another.

At some point (and probably quite frequently), you’ll find yourself in over your head. Whether you’re a brand new intern or a seasoned executive, you will face many trials. But this is especially true for leadership. God has a plan to use those trials as part of your sanctification.

What is one thing right now that is stressing you out, giving you heartburn, or causing you suffering?

Is it a relationship? Is your role changing? Is it uncertainty about your future? Is it the weight of your leadership responsibility? Your boss? Your family?

As you read through this series of posts, pick something specific to have in mind. Take a minute and ask the Holy Spirit to pinpoint that one thing that you desperately need his help with.

The sanctifier’s fire

Here is what James says about our trials in the opening verses of his Epistle.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2–4

Our trials produce joy. If I’m honest, that’s not my typical outlook on my trials. I usually get selfish and turn in on myself rather than outward to Jesus. But then I am missing out on so many things—especially the opportunity for Jesus to sanctify me, my family, and those under my leadership.

Ultimately our salvation and sanctification will lead to glorification as we are made complete in Christ.

If I am able to take my eyes off myself and look into the future glory Jesus has planned for me, my joy does increase. I see Jesus more clearly and I remember the ultimate suffering he experienced, as well as the promises of a physically and spiritually perfected redemption.

How is God sanctifying you in the midst of your trial?

Get wise

James continues on to make one thing very clear: we need wisdom in the midst of our trials.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

James 1:5–8

“If any of you lacks wisdom . . .” Any honest Christian should read this statement and think, Of course I lack wisdom. We wouldn’t find ourselves in half as many predicaments if we didn’t lack wisdom. We might not lack folly, but we certainly do lack wisdom. Thankfully God doesn’t.

True to his generous character, he is an open door. He strongly desires to bless us with wisdom. We are to ask and ask often, with the faith that he’ll make good on his promise and give to us generously.

Joy in trial

The trials will come, and the opportunities for sanctification are numerous, but God in his grace intends to give us joy and wisdom in the midst of the trials. What are you struggling with and how are you responding? Are you asking God in faith for wisdom?