Charles Stanley Daily Devotional 17 January 2026 (In Touch) Saturday Message
Charles Stanley Daily Devotional TOPIC: The Benefits of Wisdom
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: James 1:5-8
Wisdom is one of the most important tools in times of trial. And James 1:5 says God will give it generously when we ask.
However, there are times when wisdom doesn’t feel easy to acquire—for example, when God allows a test in our life after we’ve asked Him to make us wise. He may permit a challenge because temptations and difficulty can help us discover our level of devotion to Him. When we go through a time of testing, we learn whether we’re willing to say, “God, I don’t like this or understand it, but I’m going to obey You no matter what.” It’s hard to know for sure whether we would respond this way unless we go through difficulties that put our faith to the proof.
In fact, we grow in our devotion to the Lord by making wise decisions despite opposition and by obeying regardless of temptation or inconvenience. Such challenges are similar to a refiner’s fire: They sanctify and purify us (Job 23:10). These situations not only reveal what God is doing in us; they can also point out ways we might be trying to ignore the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Allowing God to do His work positions us to receive blessings, see His power, and feel His love in new ways. This is not only a way to become wise; it’s also the pathway to great joy.
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Exodus 4-6
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: God generously gives wisdom—all we have to do is ask.
Dr. Charles F. Stanley was the founder of In Touch Ministries and a New York Times best-selling author. Throughout his ministry, he demonstrated a keen awareness of people’s needs and provided Christ-centered biblically based principles for everyday life.