Wisdom Leads the Way

Navigating the Storms of Life: The Wisdom That Guides Us

Bible Passage: James 1:5–6, James 3:17, Ephesians 5:15–17

Introduction

Do you remember before cell phones, when GPS navigation systems were first available? There was no source of feedback you could give to those devices. They had whatever data was available in the months before you made the purchase. So they didn’t know anything about road closures. And in lots of places they didn’t even necessarily get too picky about what constituted a road versus a hiking trail or dirt bike path. Pam and I were walking on a road near my sister Sheryl’s house and some folks stopped us asking for directions because they’re GPS had sent them down the dirt road we happened to be walking on. We really didn’t know the area, so could do little more than wish them luck. I think before I had a GPS, I’d look up directions on MapQuest and print them off. In Florida it worked great. Let me just say the route for East Hardy High School lacked a little bit in terms of accuracy. The same was true of North Marion High School. We ended up in both instances going the opposite direction of the right way while trying to get to football and basketball games. Now Waze will even reroute you around traffic jams and can recalculate the route with pretty astonishing accuracy both in terms of where to go and when you will get there. But none of these devices are completely foolproof. It’s always wise to have some general idea of where you’re going just in case the road it wants to send you on for some reasons ceases to exist.

1. Requesting God's Generous Wisdom

James 1:5–6 “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.”

Avoid the Wrong Path

Don’t rely on your understanding

Don’t look for answers on the Internet

Don’t seek wisdom from fools (There is no God.)

Ask God for Wisdom

Ask in faith

Do not doubt

Wisdom will be given (promised)

Faith is Required

To believe God gives generously

God is not a fault finder

Wisdom is accessible and reliable in uncertainty

I once went for jog early in the morning on the Jersey boardwalk. It was empty. I was up while the rest of the crowd slept (it was a marriage retreat Pam and I went on). I was praising God in my head and feeling pretty good about myself, when I tripped on a loose board or nail and found myself instantly flat on my face. I don’t honestly remember what specifically was going through my mind, but I know essentially I was feeling a bit like the Pharisee in the temple, “thank you Lord that I’m not like that heathen over there.” I don’t think it was in reference to anyone else though, it was really my place in front of our awesome God. He just gave me a less than subtle reminder that my place before Him was on my face in humility. The real lesson is though not to watch for loose boards when you’re running, but to keep yourself grounded when you’re talking to the Lord. Know who He is and who you are. That clear sense of reality comes as our faith grows and our connection to Him is nurtured.

2. Reflecting Christ's Pure Wisdom

James 3:17 “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

God’s Wisdom is Pure

Any impure thoughts start with you not Him

As you pray, seek purity

He will give you peace

God’s Wisdom is Gentle

Don’t expect booming mountain moments

Learn to wait in patient silence

Beware of woodshed moments (not always him)

God’s Wisdom is full of Mercy and Good Fruits

He is peaceable - Doesn’t author chaos

He is reasonable - Doesn’t have overinflated expectations

He is impartial and sincere - You are not his favorite, but he sincerely loves you

How do you know when you’ve had a word from God? Perhaps you’ve had someone say that to you. Usually a sincerely committed Christian will say something like “I was praying for you the other day and God gave me a word to share with you.” Then they’ll tell you something that will either make sense or not. It will either resonate with your spirit or not. If it doesn’t come with a sense of peace and sincerity, either the speaker is mistaken or you’re not hearing the message God’s trying to send you. But pay close attention when someone uses those words. They may have in fact been given a message to deliver, probably not a big booming bass voice that said “go and proclaim my word to the people of Nineveh.” Also don’t misunderstand me, it may not always be good news “Hey you’re about to win the PowerBall.” It may be an uncomfortable word of reproof, but always it should come with a sense of peace and agreement within your spirit. An understanding that you know what has been spoken was meant for you.

3. Redeeming Opportunities Wisely

Ephesians 5:15–17 “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Look Carefully How You Walk

Look at the path in front of you

Pay attention to obstacles that could harm you

Be aware of God’s guiding Spirit directing you

Make Good Use of Your Time

Your time is finite - don’t waste it

Much too distract and derail us

Be wise how you choose to use your free time

Understand the Will of the Lord

It will come from Scripture

It will come from circumstances - things that matter to you

It will come from peace in your spirit - the right path comes with peace

Over a period of about a month or two, God gave me repeated, clear messages … I am sending you home. You’re going back to where your family is and where you grew up. At the time I was a Captain in the Air Force. Doing Nuclear Treaty Monitoring while stationed at Patrick Air Force Base. We were living in military housing just about 100-200 yards from the Atlantic Ocean. I’d completed the first half of the Seminary program at Liberty University and God made it clear to me on two separate occassions that we would be coming home to West Virginia. The first time was on a walk through the Wachtung Nature area outside of Springfield, New Jersey. The second was while I was rinsing the salt water off my car before we left to go to church on a Sunday morning. Early the next week I contact the WVCSB and told them I was looking for a place to preach. The person on the phone said, well we need a church planter in a small town in the Eastern Panhandle. You’ve probably never heard of it, but the town is Carpendale. I said, as a matter a fact I have heard of it and that’s right near where God has been telling me He was planning to send me. It wasn’t the only place I looked. I’d been looking in Florida and Maryland as well. There was a place in Brunswick Maryland that I prayed about too. But it was pretty clear where I was headed. It came with a sense of calm and fear all rolled up in one. It hasn’t always been unicorns and rainbows. But it’s clear still, we’re where He intended for us to be.