WEBVTT 00:00:04.719 --> 00:00:19.359 When a decision is in front of us and the way forward isn't clear, our minds can churn back and forth, weighing every option, second-guessing the last thought with the next one. 00:00:20.160 --> 00:00:33.759 In James 1, 5 through 6, he writes, 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. 00:00:34.159 --> 00:00:44.000 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. 00:00:44.320 --> 00:00:47.119 Another translation puts it plainly. 00:00:53.759 --> 00:00:55.759 Notice two things here. 00:00:56.399 --> 00:00:58.159 First, a promise. 00:00:58.719 --> 00:01:02.719 God gives wisdom generously and without finding fault. 00:01:03.039 --> 00:01:05.599 He won't hold the question against you. 00:01:06.159 --> 00:01:15.599 And second, a picture, the doubter tossed like a wave on open water, driven by whatever wind happens to be blowing. 00:01:16.079 --> 00:01:19.200 We don't have to live tossed around like that. 00:01:19.599 --> 00:01:24.079 We can ask and trust that God answers. 00:01:24.799 --> 00:01:28.879 Let's begin by thanking God for the kind of giver he is. 00:01:29.920 --> 00:01:36.480 Thank him that his wisdom is generous, not rationed, not earned. 00:01:37.040 --> 00:01:51.599 And thank him that he gives without finding fault, that you can come confused, unsure, even embarrassed by the question, and be met with help instead of judgment. 00:02:17.199 --> 00:02:19.120 Name it honestly. 00:02:19.599 --> 00:02:24.639 The choice you keep circling, the one you can't seem to settle. 00:02:25.120 --> 00:02:33.680 Tell him where you've been doubting, where you've been asking for his direction while quietly keeping one foot in your own plan. 00:02:34.479 --> 00:02:44.240 And then ask the way James tells us to ask, believing, not doubting, that he hears you and will give you what you need. 00:03:32.319 --> 00:03:40.240 Picture the wave going still, the wind dying down, the water settling flat. 00:03:41.120 --> 00:03:48.719 Let your grip on the outcome loosen and quietly tell him: I'm not asking a reluctant God. 00:03:49.360 --> 00:03:52.639 I'm asking one who gives generously. 00:03:52.960 --> 00:03:56.719 I'm listening and I trust you to lead. 00:04:32.160 --> 00:04:39.120 A friend, a coworker, someone you love facing a decision they can't see through? 00:04:39.680 --> 00:04:47.759 Ask God to give them that same generous wisdom and to still the waters for them too. 00:05:23.680 --> 00:05:27.360 So we never have to come to you afraid of the question. 00:05:28.079 --> 00:05:35.600 Quiet the wind, settle the waves, and lead us with the wisdom only you can give. 00:05:36.000 --> 00:05:39.120 We're asking and we trust you. 00:05:39.759 --> 00:05:40.399 Amen.