Wisdom and Discernment

Give ___________ wisdom. Thank you that you give generously to everyone without finding fault. Help _________ to believe and not doubt, and give ____________ singleness of mind and stability in all that we do. Help us to make good decisions. – James 1:5-8

My husband and I have been house hunting for the last few months. It can be a daunting process with so many options, not to mention the rising interest rates and political issues that will affect the future. At times we feel rushed to make a decision and at the same time, we are hesitant to jump into the unknown. We need God’s wisdom and discernment. He is the One who knows what the future holds and what is best for us.

The bible tells us that we don’t have because we don’t ask. Often that is taken in the context of asking God for things, which is how my prayer started today. We saw a home that is very unique and will require some renovation prior to moving in. As we walked through the home, via video, we could imagine how we would redo each room to make it our own. The excitement about the possibilies was contagious and I asked God if He would give us this home, followed by, if it’s Your will.

Currently the home is just outside the price range that we have been given by God. After all the anticipation and review of our own plans, we stopped and prayed. We need God’s wisdom and discernment in this decision. As excited as we are, if this is not God’s will for us, we trust Him. He knows all the details that we don’t. He knows the hidden repairs and costs involved. He knows if this home, or a different one, is what He has prepared for us and He will make a way regarding the price of any home that He leads us to.

My prayer changed when I inserted the word “us” in the blanks of today’s passage. We want God’s will for our lives. We want His leading, and even if it’s in a different direction than what we hope or imagine, it will be the right decision.

Equip us to trust You wholeheartedly. Don’t let us rely on human understanding, but to submit to You in all our ways. Make our paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6