I was on a mission trip in rural Africa when Peavon, my guide, asked me to speak to some widows. I expected to meet elderly women—but instead...
"Where were the widows you asked me to speak to?" My guide's reply: "You just spoke to them."
Not one of the women he introduced me to was over 35. All of them carried babies on their hips or corralled them around their legs. Every single one was an AIDS widow and most likely were going to die of it themselves. Peavon asked me to speak to them and comfort them. The feeling of inadequacy overwhelmed me. But as I spoke about God's love and the hope of heaven, I could see the glow in their eyes, the hope God's word had kindled in their hearts.
I learned then that it was never about how adequate I was. God is the one who is in control. The good I did with them only came as I gave them the only thing I had: God's word.
We tend to see our problems relative to our ability to handle them. Our confidence lies in the idea that we've done this before and know what to do. We're smart enough to know how to behave. But there are going to be times God will remind us who the one is who actually knows.
James reminds us that if we want to be wise, we will find our adequacy in Him and His word.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom (James 3:13).
That lesson in Africa echoes in my life now as I face my own uncertainties.
I've been thinking about this verse. Lately I've dealt with higher anxiety than normal for me because of some uncertain health problems. When I face times like this, it's easy to run to the old ways of dealing with it, and some of those ways are not good. I might be tempted to "escape" into video games and stay there, ignoring everything and everyone else until I feel better.
But I've learned over the years that there are so many better ways to endure times like these. And having true wisdom means that I trust God's ways over my own.
He's always right, of course.
I wasn’t prepared to speak to those widows, and I’m often unprepared for life’s harder moments. But God’s wisdom has never failed me. And it won’t fail you either.
Are you facing challenges in your life today? Have the courage and faith to patiently suffer while you act on God's will for your situation. For me, that means physical activity, meditating on Him, thinking of better things, and waiting on His timing for the problems I face.
What commitments do you need to make today? Let's talk in the comments or message me. I'll be happy to talk!
Keep walking with God,
Jason Sparks
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Each week, I send out practical devotionals, insights for spiritual and emotional growth, and reminders of God’s love — right to your inbox.
Let’s keep walking this journey together.
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