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     If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

     It is because of him (God) that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30

     Dear heavenly Father, I’m in need of what you so generously promise to give… wisdom. I have no doubt that you’ll come through for me, especially when I consider that you’ve already given me the quintessential wisdom of Jesus—who is my righteousness, holiness and redemption. How to I measure that generosity?

     It’s only because of you that I’m in Christ—the fountain and personification of all the wisdom I’ll ever need. And only because I’m in Christ, I don’t fear your finding fault-finding gaze. I only anticipate your grace-giving hand. So here’s a few situations for which I need some practical wisdom…

     Father, please give me wisdom about the difference between gospel peace-making and conflict-avoidance.  What’s really worth fighting for? When do soft answers turn away wrath, or when are they a sign of selfishness and cowardice? When do I lose sight of the real issue and simply refuse to lose? What does it mean to fight fair and to conflict redemptively?

     Father, please give me wisdom about the balance between being spent and poured out for the gospel, and stewardship of my body, mind and heart. Show me when I’m living more of a driven rather than a called life. What’s the difference between a living sacrifice and a depleted workaholic?

     Father, please give me wisdom about loving our children at different stages of their lives. When do I show up? When do I shut up? When do I offer advice that’s not being asked for? When does my help not really help? What’s the difference between parenting by faith-n-grace and manipulating by guilt-n-grit… even when they’re adults?

     Father, please give me wisdom about the next season of my life. What does growing older in the gospel look like? I don’t see the category of retirement in the Bible, so what would you have me invest in for the rest of my days this side of heaven? Of all the things I could do, what is most in line with the truth of the gospel, and most in keeping with how you’ve made and gifted me?

     I’m anticipating hearing from you, Father, because you are so very generous and so very faithful. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ matchless name.

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