Photo by Keith Tsuji/Getty Images

In this life, we will have trials and tribulations. And in response to our problems, we cry out to God for a miracle.

Some of the negative situations that we face are the result of living in a sinful world and fighting against a spiritual enemy. However, many of our problems are the result of our own ignorance or disobedience to God’s word. If we listened to God, through his word, and followed his directions, we would avoid much of the pain that we have suffered in life. We read in Psalm 107:17-20:

Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

We trust in God and believe his word, but we understand that miracles are usually not normal occurrences. Wouldn’t it be better if we could avoid the need to ask for a miracle? In other words, instead of creating a mountain and then having to use faith to move it, it would be better to not create the mountain in the first place. Never hope for a miracle when common sense will do.

God has provided something for us that will allow us to not create mountains in our lives. Yes, we will face mountains. And, God will deliver us from them. But, instead of creating unnecessary adverse situations, we can use a tool to prevent many problems from occurring in the first place. This tool is called wisdom. Proverbs 3:13-23 discusses the benefits of finding wisdom:

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

God’s wisdom will teach us about life. Through his word, God gives us practical advice concerning many things: how to relate to God, how to relate to others, how to handle finances, and how to plan for our future. If you obey what God has written, you will avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble. “He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.” (Proverbs 16:20).

The first step in walking is wisdom is to study God’s word. Bible study must be a part of your daily life. Allow God’s Spirit to direct you in your reading and study. When you find a scripture that speaks to you, put it to memory. When you come to major decision in life, God’s word will give you direction.

The next thing that you must do in order to have wisdom is to submit to God’s authority in every area of your life. When you do this, God will begin to guide you. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:4-6).

The last thing that you need to do in order to receive God’s wisdom is to ask the Lord for wisdom, but you must ask in faith. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” (James 1:5-6).

You will walk in wisdom in all of the areas of your life that you have submitted to God. Your life would include the following: spiritual health, physical health, mental health, financial status, social status, career path, educational path, and family relationships. Take time in prayer to commit all of these areas to God. And then ask him for wisdom in each of theses areas. Follow God’s instructions and be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The wisdom that God gives you will bring great blessings and spiritual success.