Personal Help from Above

Early this morning before our prayer time and me leaving for work, Susan and I had another one of those discussions about the big issue in marriage -- money! Ever since going through the Dave Ramsey class at our church last year, we're trying to avoid borrowing at all costs (pun intended). But it's getting pretty tight this summer with both of our kids taking classes and no scholarship money in between the regular semesters.

As I prayed in the shower about this, the word that came to mind was not money but "wisdom." I recalled the proverb I read last night, quoted in a really cool book called Courage and Calling by Gordon T. Smith:

For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. -- Proverbs 2:6-10, NLT

Smith writes: Wisdom enables us to live and work, to sustain our relationship and our work in our lives with integrity, focus and balance.

When I think of how we're asking for wisdom from a Father who LOVES us, I'm motivated to ask Him more often and with confidence that He will answer me. He is a Father who loves to guide and protect His children.

Seeking wisdom in the name of Jesus tells our Father that we need Him, it acknowledges our weakness and selfish tendency to try to go our own way or figure things out on our own. Asking for His divine intervention honors the Lord, demonstrating to Him that we trust in His rock-solid promises.

So today, as Susan and I meet later to take a hard look at our checkbook and budget for June, we'll expect an answer from the Lord Jesus. His wisdom never fails! And He guides us in such a personal way. For as 1 Corinthians 1:30 tells us, wisdom is a Person. His name is Jesus Christ -- "our righteousness, holiness and redemption."

Jim