“’And where I go you know, and the way you know.’ Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’” John 14:4-5

Go On, Ask!

I took a class back in my college days in which I was completely, hopelessly lost at all times. From the first moment the professor opened his mouth, I was in over my head. Normally, I am comfortable asking questions to clarify, but not this time. I wouldn’t have understood his answer any more than I understood his lecture.

We’ve all experienced wanting to know something, but we’re afraid to ask. We don’t want to look foolish, or we realize we’ve already been told a million times, or we don’t want people to think poorly of us, because AFTER ALL they all seem to know whatever it is I want to know. Apparently, I wasn’t paying attention when the information was given…

Not so with the disciple, Thomas. He didn’t grasp what Jesus was saying, and he spoke right up, displaying his heart to understand. Disciples in that culture were comfortable asking questions of their teachers.

Do we do that? Do we, as Jesus’ disciples, ask the Holy Spirit for help understanding what a difficult Scripture passage means? Do we feel free to step right up and be bold in this? Do we read slowly and thoughtfully enough to know that we don’t know? Do we meditate on Scripture and realize that we are missing something of its meaning?

“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). This Scripture says to ask for wisdom, which means comprehensive insight, Christian enlightenment, a right application of knowledge, and insight into the true nature of things.

We need guidance in understanding. Guidance is the job of the Holy Spirit. We should always ask Him to lead us into wisdom when we read the Bible.

We needn’t fear reproach. “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). It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, or what they know (or act like they know). The Father will not reproach you—He won’t make fun of you, mock you, ridicule, scold, or insult you. He gives wisdom without reminding us of how many times we’ve already been told.

“Father, it is such a relief to be able to come boldly to Your throne and ask You to help us understand. Thank You for the gift of understanding and wisdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”