Lack Wisdom: Ask

A quote from author Pearl S. Buck appeared on my desktop this morning.  Her classic novel, The Good Earth; was a very power story of life in turn of the century China.  She was the daughter of missionaries to China in the late 19^th through early 20^th century China.   She saw first hand the hardships and sorrow of the Chinese people.  A child of a household of faith, she saw the many dimensions of suffering.

 

There is an alchemy in sorrow. It can be transmuted into wisdom, which, if it does not bring joy, can yet bring happiness.  Pearl S. Buck

Alchemy is the process of transforming something common and ordinary into something special; a transmutation (a total change in its nature).  From her life as a daughter of missionaries to China; the spiritual transformation of the Christian life is the basis of her statement.  From my life’s experience; there is no greater joy than that which comes from turning sorrow into joy in the LORD.  It is an inner happiness that no one can destroy.  Pain and suffering develops steadfastness; not merely a waiting in patience; but a standing strong in the LORD; endurance.  We are able, because we know that all things work for good in the LORD!

Romans 8:28 KJV And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Faith in that promise gives us the strength to endure everything and anything that comes our way because we are called according to His purpose.  Our suffering is not in vain nor is it more than we can bear!

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (bear it).

The way of escape does not come immediately, but in my experience; more toward the breaking point.  This is how God stretches us so that we can grow!  Every weight trainer and body builder knows that our muscles need to be stretched to the point of tearing, but not ripping apart; if that muscle is to regenerate stronger; so is it with our spiritual character.  Psalm 74 says don’t turn back in shame, but let the needy praise the name of the LORD!

Psalms 74:21 ESV Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame; let the poor and needy praise your name.

When we are stretched by God, we can see joy in it because we know that there is a great benefit to the challenge.  If we merely suffered; for no reason and for no gain; we would be most miserable.  Trials build our endurance which is making us more perfect and lacking nothing!  Christ is perfecting us!

James 1:3-4 ESV for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  (4)  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  (5) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Our lives are unrefined gold that are being refined in the fire; in the furnace of trials.  It is the only way to build for the future; for an eternal future.  The only gold that you will take with you into the Kingdom of God is the gold of your character!  We are here to grow in the knowledge of God; understanding of His WAY and wisdom to prepare for the everlasting Kingdom of God.  It is a life of faith; living in the Spirit; in the Holy Ghost.

KNOWLEDGE + UNDERSTANDING develops WISDOM that leads to FAITH

We can’t live without FAITH which comes from the WORD of God.  Reading and listening to the Bible daily; internalizing it and making it engrafted on our souls.