Calling on God in Times of Trouble
Scripture reminds us that God is always ready to help when we face hardship:
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15
“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress.” Psalm 107:6
We are grateful for His mercy and power to rescue us when life spins beyond our control, or when our own poor choices have created painful situations. But there is another gift of God that prevents much of the trouble faith must later repair: Wisdom.
1. Wisdom Prevents What Faith Must Repair
Wisdom is Heaven’s insight for earthly choices. It helps us discern the right path before we act. Solomon understood this when he asked God for wisdom to govern well—and was rewarded with divine understanding and abundant blessings! (1 Kings 3:9–12).
“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Proverbs 27:12
“Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.” Proverbs 3:15
How many times have we said, “I wish I’d never done that…”? God’s wisdom is meant to guide, protect, and prosper us—if we listen. When we ignore “the way of wisdom,” we often find ourselves using faith to clean up what could have been avoided.
2. Ignoring Wisdom Can Be Deadly — A True Story
Friends from our church grew up in Zambia, Africa. A few years ago, Zeke’s family called with tragic news. His father lived in a rural village where a hive of “killer bees” had taken residence in his attic. The family knew they were there, but since the bees caused no immediate harm, nothing was done. Then one day, something disturbed the hive. The bees swarmed the house, stinging Zeke’s father multiple times. Sadly, he did not survive.
That hive had been a known danger—but it was ignored. Isn’t that how we sometimes treat the warning signs in our own lives? We minimize issues—unhealthy habits, spiritual compromises, or toxic relationships—hoping they’ll resolve on their own. Yet God’s wisdom whispers, “Deal with this now, before harm comes.”
3. Faith and Wisdom — Partners, Not Opposites
Faith and wisdom are not competing forces; they are complementary.
- Faith calls on God to bring us out of trouble.
- Wisdom helps us avoid trouble in the first place.
- Faith restores what is lost; wisdom preserves what is valuable.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
Dr. Charles Stanley once said, “Wisdom is the capacity to see things from God’s perspective and respond according to His principles.” When we seek God’s perspective first, we save ourselves from much pain later!
Conclusion: Two Conflicting Mindsets
- Seek wisdom early — to prevent pain and walk in peace.
- Ignore warning signs — and later cry out in desperation for rescue.
When we apply wisdom, we don’t just survive; we flourish. Wisdom is God’s gracious gift to keep us safe, stable, and strong. So let’s make this our daily prayer: “Lord, not just get me out—but show me the wise way before I step in!” Let’s pursue God’s way of wisdom together for our lives and ministries, and for AFCM!
