God is waiting for you to ask. I mean, Jesus told us to ask, right? Of course, asking should only be a part of our prayer life… we should never negate worship, thanksgiving, and confession. But don’t be afraid to ask. I don’t know what you’ve been asking for and what is highest on your priority list, but I do know that there are two things that perk up God’s ears… two things every believer should pray for. Two things we desperately need. And two things God wants us to ask for: boldness and wisdom. Let’s examine this through the lens of Scripture.
Boldness! In the early days of the church, Peter and John were arrested for speaking about the resurrection of Jesus. The story is in Acts 4. Peter and John were facing huge giants… religious leaders steeped in the law. Very smart men. Religious leaders who had rejected Jesus as Messiah. As they stood before these leaders, we read in Acts 4:13: “The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” Amazing, huh?
The rest of the story is truly amazing. After Peter and John were set free, they went to where the other believers had gathered and together, they prayed for boldness. After they finished praying, it says that the “meeting place shook” (Acts 4:31). In other words, God was pleased that they asked for boldness. We need boldness too. In a day when truth is being put through the fire, being dismantled and twisted, we need boldness. In a time when huge giants are intimidating the people of God, we need boldness. At a time of great deception, we need boldness… boldness to speak up, stand up, and stay true to the gospel. Let’s pray for boldness.
Wisdom! James writes his letter to Jewish Christians who had been dispersed to other lands because persecution had swept across Jerusalem. But while they fled because of persecution, persecution found them. The people were going through horrible trials. So, James writes to encourage them and give some wise advice. In this context, James tells them to ask for wisdom. He says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (James 1:5).
Solomon was afraid to lead the people of God. I mean, his father David’s shoes were really big to fill. But God told him to ask for whatever he wanted and it would be granted to him. Solomon asked for wisdom and God honored this request. Wisdom is a treasure. Wisdom is a gift that only God can give us. Since James speaks about wisdom on the heels of his message on trials, we can be assured that we need wisdom as we face our trials as well.
We might ask why? Why do we need wisdom? Because wisdom will help us navigate through the difficulties, guide us to make good choices, and lead us by the hand. Wisdom is the best driver. But often in our struggles, we let emotions and feelings drive us. These are TERRIBLE drivers. Solomon writes: “Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold” (Proverbs 3:13). Let’s pray for wisdom today.
I’m praying for both boldness and wisdom. Will you join me?