I was experiencing one blinding headache after another, when it suddenly occurred to me that I should take a prayer pause and ask for the Lord's wisdom in the matter. That's when I heard Him say to my heart, "You've stopped using your humidifier." His response startled me, because I had a hard time believing that the severe head pain I was having was simply from air that was too dry in my home. But sure enough, as I began using my humidifier on a regular basis again, the awful headaches subsided.

Years ago, I heard a godly man say that before we pray for healing, we should pray for wisdom. I've discovered the hard way that this is good advice. Too often, we make things more complicated than they have to be. We get a new symptom in our body, and right away, we think it could be something serious, or at least, something that requires medical intervention. The longer I live and walk with God, however, I find that by simply taking the time to get quiet before Him, and to ask for His wisdom and guidance, we can receive the best - and quickest - solutions to our problems.

Some years ago, my husband, Joe, began complaining about a terrible achiness in his bones that was keeping him awake at night. As I thought and prayed about it, the Lord told me to tell him to start taking the same calcium supplements that I was taking each night. When I told my husband what I thought he should do, he laughed and said that it couldn't possibly be that simple. But it was. And within a few days of taking those supplements, my husband was sleeping like a baby again.

In years past, before I began walking closely with the Lord and studying His Word, I would have automatically assumed that my husband and I needed medical intervention for our symptoms, and I would have promptly called our doctors to get appointments for us. Then, Joe and I would have probably gone for x-rays and other tests, and undoubtedly, each of us would have gotten some sort of diagnosis that involved treatment and medications of one kind or another. Now, don't get the impression that I am against doctors, because that is not the case. My husband and I both see our doctors regularly, and we take medications when we need them. What I am saying here is that when we get a new symptom of any kind, we should not leave God out of the loop. In fact, I strongly recommend going to God first when a new symptom arises, because He already knows what is needed for us to receive the healing and restoration He has in mind for us. And if we need to see a doctor, He can lead us to the one that will do us the most good.

The Bible says: "If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you, for He is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him; He will not resent it." (James 1:5 TLB) This is the Lord's loving invitation to us, to come to Him for wisdom and guidance when we have a need or question of any kind. Notice the phrase "bountiful supply of wisdom." God is not going to be stingy with His guidance when you ask Him for it. He's going to provide you with all the wisdom you need to take the first step in getting the help you need. Then, as you keep seeking Him, He will continue to guide your path.

Perhaps you are thinking of times when you claimed this promise from God and still didn't receive the wisdom you needed. My question to you is, did you ask in faith, really believing that God is faithful to His promises, and that He cares enough to give you the help you need? The following verses in this passage have some important warnings for us. "But when you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way and then that. If you don't ask with faith, don't expect the Lord to give you any solid answer." (James 1:6-8 TLB) If you don't have an intimate relationship with the Lord, then you certainly will have trouble hearing from Him when it matters most. That's why it's so important for you to be in constant communication with God every day, and why you must devote yourself to His Word, which Scripture says is a guiding light for our path. (Psalm 119:105 NIV)

I once heard a very wise man say that prayer was the ultimate timesaver. I have learned that it not only saves us time, but it saves us a lot of misery, too, because it enables us to avoid the pitfalls of life that prayerlessness can create. Before you even have a problem, God has a custom-made solution for you. In what area are you lacking in godly wisdom today?

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your generous offer of wisdom for my life. Help me to remember to go to You first whenever I have a question or a need. Remind me that if I want ready answers to my prayers, I must call on You in faith, and I must resist doubt and unbelief. Teach me how to grow my faith through regular quiet times with You daily. Show me how to study Your Word diligently, so that I will become sensitive and obedient to Your Spirit's leading in all things. Thank You that as I earnestly seek to know You better, I will reap the blessings of Your precious promises, even Your promise of wisdom!