Shalom.

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Thank you so much for joining me for another daily devo. As we walk together through this series, Wisdom for a Restored Life, I remember something that a friend often reminds me of. Proverbs 4 teaches us that there is security in wisdom that comes from the Lord, and he commands us to get it. Proverbs 4:5 says Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget or turn away from the words of my mouth (NKJV) - yet another example of our God giving us the answers to the test! As we continue to invite and allow the Father to do His restoration work in us and through us, I encourage you to seek His wisdom by boldly asking for it. I look forward to hearing what he reveals to you.

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Resolute and fully assured – This is the way in which 10-year-old me was able to ask my dad, Bruce, if we could go hit some baseballs. His answer was always yes. Perhaps it would be in a couple hours, but my dad was (and still is) a pillar of resolve and self-sacrifice in my life. I was the one who loved playing baseball, and he was the one doing everything in his power to create opportunities for me to succeed. He did it with joy. Countless nights on his way home from work, he would stop by multiple fields to scour the wood line for freshly forgotten foul balls. After working 12-14 hour days, he went the extra mile to ensure we always had 4-5 buckets of high-quality baseballs on hand to practice with. I was not the only recipient of his loving provision. When friends and teammates caught on that these special sessions were occurring, they asked to join in. They saw something different in the relationship and dedication that dad and I had to the task. But they, too, had to ask in order to receive the blessing and be willing to show up and do their best. My dad’s answer was always yes, and he always made a way to make it work. It may not have looked exactly like how my friends and I thought it would, but Bruce Messier could be counted on to provide, time and time again.

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I share that history to ask you a question: If a man in the world can be absolutely counted on by his son with no doubt, how much more can we trust our Father in Heaven to provide for us? More and more, my walk with Jesus is teaching me that God uses the natural things in creation to teach us about spiritual things, and our relationships with our families and each other can align with this pattern if we so choose.  

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Our passage from James connects us to the heart of God and His willingness to provide for His children. When it comes to wisdom, He requires us to humble ourselves enough to confidently ask for that which we do not yet have. It seems simple, but requires belief in the things not seen. We must have zero doubt in Him to meet us where we’re at with exactly what we need according to His perfect plans. So again, brothers and sisters, I encourage you to give it a go, and to be excited for what He uniquely reveals to you. And as you navigate the paths of your life, please allow His wisdom to be shared through you.

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I believe God has chosen to work in and through ACF, and I’m looking forward with joyful hope for what lies ahead. He has given me a heart for greater collaboration, outreach, and unity in our communities where our feet are. We don’t need to have all the answers, but we can help one another take our next steps in obedience as we collectively grow in wisdom and understanding according to the will of the Father, the teachings of Jesus, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit within us.

Father, I lack wisdom and understanding, and so I come before You, oh Holy One, asking for these. I have no doubt You will provide because dependability and provision are part of Your nature. For the reader of this devo, Lord, I pray a confidence and peace within them that is greater than any they have experienced before. I pray for them new wisdom and understanding of Your ways and Your intent for their life. Thank you for illuminating the path before us, God, and thank You for Your Word. Jesus, it is in Your Name and Authority I pray, Amen.