In what ways can we seek God's wisdom when facing difficult questions? Facing Questions in Light of Mark 11:31 “They deliberated among themselves, ‘If we say, ‘From heaven,’ ” “He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ ” The chief priests and elders wrestled with Jesus’ question about John’s baptism. Their whispered debate shows the danger of calculating answers to save face instead of seeking truth. We can learn the opposite habit: approaching God for real wisdom. Why We Need God’s Wisdom • Our own insights are limited (Job 38:2) • His counsel is perfect (Psalm 18:30) • Scripture is true in every detail (John 17:17) Practical Ways to Seek His Wisdom 1. Ask Directly • “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously” (James 1:5). • Pray with confidence that He delights to guide. 2. Search the Word Diligently • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • Read passages in context; compare verse with verse; look up key words. 3. Trust, Don’t Lean on Self • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him” (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Surrender preconceived answers; invite Him to adjust your thinking. 4. Listen for the Spirit’s Prompting • “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge” (Proverbs 2:6). • Quiet moments, silence distractions, journal what He impresses. 5. Seek God-fearing Counsel • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). • Choose mentors who revere Scripture more than popularity. 6. Obey the Light You Have • Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). • Act on the next clear step; fuller understanding follows obedience. Encouraging Promises When We Ask • He reveals “great and mighty things” (Jeremiah 33:3). • “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable” (2 Timothy 3:16). • He “will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6). Living It Out Today • Before answering tough questions, pause to pray James 1:5. • Open a notebook; list relevant passages and what they plainly say. • Share your draft conclusion with a trusted believer for feedback. • Step forward in faith, confident the Author of truth is guiding you. As we contrast the fearful reasoning in Mark 11:31 with wholehearted dependence on God, we discover that true wisdom is never elusive when we seek it His way. |
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