VBS Sunday: Finding Wisdom in a Sea of Voices
Speaker: Lead Pastor Dustin Aguilar
Scriptures: James 1:5-8
Ask God for Wisdom
17 years ago, Dustin was being prepared by realizing that he was not wise. He believed in Jesus but did not always trust that Jesus would take care of him. He would sometimes “hit pause” on God when tempted to sin because he didn’t think God would empower him. As Dustin began asking God for wisdom, he learned how to view Christ and how to speak to others about Christ. Today, Dustin continues to go to God and pray for wisdom.
James and Wisdom
James was the brother of Jesus. Although James once tried to stop Jesus, he lacked wisdom. Wisdom came to James when he became a follower of Jesus, giving him authority to speak about wisdom.
Wisdom in Trials
James 1:2–4, 12
Trials test our faith and produce steadfastness. When we go through trials, it is easy to question God’s goodness, His Word, or whether His way is the only way. We may even look for sinful or worldly solutions.
Instead, ask God for wisdom. We may need the trial to gain the wisdom necessary to walk through it.
Biblical Examples
Solomon — 2 Chronicles 1:7–12
God gave Solomon the opportunity to ask for anything, and Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge. God was pleased with his request and granted him wisdom.
Job — Job 28:28
“The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.”
God is glad when we ask for wisdom and gives generously.
Ask in Faith
James 1:6–8
James says we should ask in faith without doubting, comparing doubt to a wave tossed by the wind.
We see an “Even if…” heart posture in:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego — Daniel 3: God could deliver them, but even if He did not, they would not worship another god.
Esther — Esther 4:16: She was willing to approach the king even if it meant losing her life.
Nineveh — Jonah 3:5–9: The people believed God and humbled themselves, and God spared them.
Hebrews 11:33–34: Through faith, people experienced great victories, but our certainty is not in the outcome—it is in God.
“Even If…” vs. “Only If…”
Dustin shared that during his cancer journey, he believed he would have to go through surgery and chemotherapy. He prayed for healing, but he decided that, no matter the outcome, he would stick with God. This is an “Even if…” heart posture.
We must be careful of an “Only if…” heart posture, where our faith becomes dependent on receiving the outcome we want. Our prayers should focus on God, not simply on the outcome.
Pray:
God, I believe You can…
God, I believe You will…
Even if You don’t, I will not turn on You.
Trust God and Do Not Be Tossed
The Greek word for doubting in James 1:6 is diakrino, meaning to waver or go back and forth.
Take a stand and do not take it back. Wisdom does not always take us out of the trial; it helps us make it through.
A couple facing legal issues realized they were asking others for guidance before asking God. When they began asking God for wisdom, they received peace. They did not receive an immediate answer, but things began to turn around.
We should ask God for wisdom more often.
Conclusion
Last week we learned to ask God, “Make me good ground?”
This week we ask, “Do I lack wisdom?”
Ask God:
Where do I need wisdom?
Where am I focusing more on the outcome than on God?
Where have I reached for sinful or evil solutions?
Remember: God gives wisdom willingly and abundantly when we focus our hearts on Him.