The Strength of the SpirtSample

Title: First, Not Last

Have you ever noticed how, when we're in trouble, we tend to exhaust every human option before turning to God? We call a friend, Google a solution, post about it on social media, or just stress over it endlessly. And then, when nothing works, we finally throw our hands up and say, "Well, I guess all we can do now is pray."

But prayer—seeking God's wisdom—shouldn’t be a last resort. It should be our first thought.

James 1:5 reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." That’s a promise! Not a "maybe" or a "sometimes." If we ask, He will provide the wisdom we need.

If you want a great bible figure and story read for context here – it’s King Solomon. When he became king, he didn’t run to his advisors first or try to figure things out on his own. Instead, he went straight to God and asked for wisdom. And God didn’t just give him a little—He made Solomon the wisest man who ever lived! What if we made that our habit? What if, before stressing, before overthinking, before seeking human advice, we simply said, “Lord, what do You think?”

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) – "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. That means we don’t have to stumble through life, guessing and hoping we get it right. God is ready and willing to lead us—if we let Him.

So, what are you facing today? A tough decision? A challenge at work? A relationship struggle? Instead of making God your backup plan, put Him at the top of your list. Before asking the world, ask the One who created it. Before panicking, pray. Before searching, seek Him.

Let's flip the script. Instead of saying, "All we can do now is pray," let’s start saying, "The first thing I’ll do is pray." Because when you go to God first, you’ll find the wisdom and peace you need—without the unnecessary detours.