Courage or Wisdom?

Introduction

Good evening, church.

Introduce the two favorite scriptures.

James 1:5–6 NIV

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Joshua 1:9 NIV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I pick these out when I need something. Praying them often. They both came to mind last night when I was attacked by racoons.

Last night with racoons.

Scripture Reading: James 1:5-6 and Joshua 1:9

James 1:5-6 (NIV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

Joshua 1:9 (NIV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

1. Seeking Wisdom from God

James tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. Wisdom, in the biblical sense, is more than knowledge or intelligence. It is the ability to discern God’s will and apply His truths in our lives. It is practical and spiritual insight that helps us navigate life’s complexities.

Prayer for Wisdom: As believers, we must constantly seek God’s wisdom through prayer. It’s not enough to rely on our understanding or experiences. We need divine guidance to make decisions that align with God’s purposes.

Tonight: You will hear how God has been revealing a direction to us.

Knowing a calling.

2. The Courage to Act

Wisdom without courage is incomplete. Joshua 1:9 reminds us to be strong and courageous, for God is with us wherever we go. Courage in the biblical sense is not the absence of fear but the ability to act in faith despite fear.

Facing Challenges: Life is full of challenges, but with God’s presence, we can face them with confidence. Whether it’s standing up for our faith, making difficult decisions, or stepping into new opportunities, we need courage to move forward.

Trusting in God’s Promises: This is not blind faith. This is not just jumping off a cliff out of nowhere. It comes from trusting in the promises of God.

Courage comes from trusting in God’s promises. He has assured us of His constant presence and support. When we believe that God is with us, we can take bold steps, knowing that He will guide and protect us.

Through our journey of planting a church and saying yes to vital and important things…we will have to make courageous decisions.

3. The Intersection of Wisdom and Courage

Now the intersection is the sweet spot.

I could have been courageous last nigt with the racoons and unwise and it would have ended badly.

There are times when we might be wise but paralyzed by fear, doubts, and the unknown.

Neither move us in a faithful direction. One idolizes human effort and the other idolizes human understanding.

How do we find the intersection:

Prayer

Knowing the promises of God

Community

Conclusion

Church, let us be a community marked by wisdom and courage. Let us seek God’s wisdom diligently and act with the courage that comes from knowing He is with us. As we do, we will not only navigate life’s challenges effectively but also shine as a light in a world that desperately needs to see the power and love of God.