Have you prayed for truth to be revealed to you? James 1:5 states, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." Here are three answers.
One answer is in the temple work according to Keith Walker. Consider the practice of baptism for the dead. The person doing this work has to live in a worthy manner, be in good standing with his ward and bishop, travel to a temple and do the baptism work. He is doing the work but the benefit is for another. On the contrary, the one receiving this service cannot work. He can't attend church or pay tithes. He cannot live in a worthy manner because he is not living. He cannot perform any good works but rather lies motionless in his grave. He is not earning this baptism work but receiving it as a free gift. This is a picture of salvation by grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Here is another answer to a prayer for wisdom. My neighbor is a police officer. Some people do not like police officers. Some are angry about being pulled over even when they are wrong. Sometimes there are praying grandmas who are asking God to protect their wayward grandchildren. Perhaps God, in his infinite foreknowledge, knows that an intoxicated, speeding grandson is about to be in a fatal car accident. Perhaps God answers godly grandmothers' prayers by sending a police officer to stop these erratic drivers, saving them from death. Essentially, he is angry at the one sent to save his life. What if God sends someone to speak the truth and he is hated and labeled an anti? He could be presenting a message of liberty and freedom and at the same time be hated. The apostle Paul said in Galatians 4:16, "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" An answer to prayer may have been given and it may be rejected.
Matthew 18:1-5 is another specific answer to a prayer for wisdom. "At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me." Young children have great faith and they are an open book. Take the challenge to read the New Testament with the heart of a child. Set aside your preconceived ideas and read it with an open mind. See how it speaks to you.
If you have prayed for wisdom, have you been open to God's answers?
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