Confidence in God

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God — who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly — and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

“Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ ‭CSB‬‬

“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

A good flippy distance driver that just stands up and flies straight forever with a gentle fade at the end. Isn’t that the dream driver for most of us? For me, the Fission Trail and a beat in Avenger SS are mine. They are both trustworthy and I know the best conditions in which to throw them. But not every disc is like that. You know that disc no longer in your bag! I once had a mid-range (whose name will be hidden to protect the guilty!) that was unpredictable. One time it threw straight as an arrow and another time it turned over and left me… literally I threw it two times, and on the second throw the thing turned over out of nowhere and landed somewhere in the thickest brier patch on the course!   

James reminds us of where wisdom comes from when the trials of life come.  It comes from Him (v.5). All we need to do is ask. Verse 6 is often overlooked in the consideration of gaining the wisdom needed. How do we ask? Do we come boldly before the thrown (Hebrews 4:16) or are we in doubt about if God will really hear us? Are we asking like that mid-range that wavered in its consistency or like those confident drivers? When we are in the trials of life, it is easy for us to become discouraged, disheartened or even doubtful. God has promised that those trials will make us more like Christ. He has promised wisdom to those who come to Him and ask confident that He will continue the work He started and will grant the wisdom we need.  

In disc golf, we have to go through those tight wooded gaps in order to finish the course. In life we have to go through the trials so God can shape us into His Son’s image. In disc golf we need a predictable and trustworthy disc to get us through the gap. In life we need to ask God confidently for the wisdom He knows we need to learn from and get through the trials. 

Reflection: We all face trials in life. God has offered all of His children the wisdom we need to understand His plan and navigate those trials. How do we approach God? Are we confident in His plan and work or are we finding ourselves doubting? Remember Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”  

Tim Tanner PDGA #294446