We’re continuing Week 1 from Faith With Work Boots On.
James doesn’t just tell us to endure trials — he tells us what to do when we feel unsure in the middle of them.
If you’ve ever prayed for wisdom…and then second-guessed the answer five minutes later, this one will feel familiar.
DAY 2 — ASK BOLDLY, TRUST FULLY
READ IT (CSB)
James 1:5–8
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, being double-minded and unstable in all his ways.
OWN IT
Wisdom is one of the clearest signs of spiritual maturity — but also one of the things we hesitate to ask God for. Not because we don’t need it, but because we secretly hope we can figure things out ourselves. James doesn’t leave room for that. If you lack wisdom — and we all do — ask God. And ask believing He’ll answer.
I’ve learned that asking boldly and trusting fully are two different challenges. I don’t have trouble asking. My trouble comes when I lay a question at God’s feet…and then try to sneak back and pick it up again like a toddler grabbing a toy they “weren’t done with yet.”
There was a season when we were considering moving into a new home. We had a baby on the way, a shift in income looming, and about twelve different spreadsheets that all gave me slightly different answers — none of which felt completely safe. I prayed, “Lord, give me wisdom,” and for about five minutes I felt confident. Then doubt crept in.
What if I was making a mistake?
What if I misunderstood God?
What if the numbers lied?
That’s double-mindedness.
And I lived there longer than I care to admit.
But God provided. Not instantly. Not in the way I expected. But faithfully — in the exact way He always has. Looking back, I can see His fingerprints all over that season.
In the moment, though, it felt like I was being tossed by every fear that popped into my mind.
The truth is, wisdom isn’t just about getting answers. It’s about getting anchored. When God gives wisdom, He steadies you.
Wisdom doesn’t remove the need for faith — it invites it.
It teaches you to say:
“God, I don’t just want clarity. I want Your clarity.”
“I’m not asking You to bless my plans — I’m asking You to guide them.”
“I’ll ask boldly — and I’ll trust fully.”
God doesn’t shame you for needing wisdom. He delights in giving it. He just wants a heart that believes He knows what He’s doing.
LIVE IT
Choose one place where your heart feels divided and ask God for wisdom — without reaching back for control.
GO DEEPER
What decision or situation is making you feel “tossed by the waves” right now?
Where do you struggle most to trust God’s wisdom over your own?
What would it look like to leave this request fully in God’s hands?
DINNER TABLE DEVOTIONAL
What’s something you’ve been asking God to help you understand or decide?
When is it hardest for you to trust God’s wisdom instead of your own plan?
How can we help each other stay steady when doubt tries to shake us?
PRAY IT
Father, thank You for being generous with wisdom. I’m asking boldly today. Steady my heart where it feels divided. Help me trust Your timing and Your leadership. When doubt rises, remind me of Your faithfulness. I lay this request at Your feet, and I choose to leave it there. Amen.
James doesn’t promise a life without waves. He promises a God who gives wisdom generously.
If this encouraged you, the complete 7-week study is available here:
Faith With Work Boots On: A 7-Week Journey Through the Book of JamesMy prayer is that it helps you ask boldly — and trust fully.
Thank you so much, Susan.