I don’t love surprises, probably because I’m a recovering control freak. Recovering. And believe me, you don’t want the God of the universe to have to break you of control. It isn’t pretty. A much less messy, more freeing plan is to release (the illusion of) control and let God be God.
But He’s teaching me something about wisdom as I maneuver around the “surprises” of life. He’s showing me that yes, He absolutely gives wisdom to those who ask. He faithfully guides those who seek Him. But He doesn’t give it until the moment we need it.
He rarely says, “OK, next year (or even next week) you will take this blue route. The signs will be blinking and bright and the road will smooth out after the fifth curve.” No.
It’s faith that pleases Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5-6
He told Abraham, “Go from everything you know to a land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1, paraphrased) You know what Abraham did? He went. (Genesis 12:4) He didn’t know where He was going; He just knew that God would bless him as he chose to follow. (Genesis 12:2)
The Lord promises wisdom to those who seek Him. Liberally. Running over. But it’s faith that honors Him and brings us blessing. We have to walk in this day trusting that when we need to know the next step to take, He will faithfully guide. He will faithfully guide.
Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. We only have today. This. Day. He will guide those who seek…but not a moment too soon. (Preaching to myself.)
Fill me, Lord…
How do you “seek His wisdom” for this day?
What are you seeking wisdom for lately?
I just read in Job that one of his faults was demanding an explanation for his suffering. In the process of suffering, God often chooses to keep His purposes hidden to grow our faith. After having that revealed, I needed no more road maps. I want to be in the great faith hall of fame! (I’m a recovering control freak as well, and I agree, it’s not pretty when God breaks ya!
Stephanie: I have a friend who is going through immense suffering right now. I’m copying your post to her as she feels she needs an explanation to the tragedy she is in. Thank you!
Your poor friend. We have been journeying a horrible trial for 2 years now, I know all about suffering. It is not an easy place to be, which is why grabbing a hold of God’s promises is so important. I hope your friend is encouraged and that she keeps the faith.
When I’ve been in the midst of suffering, I try to remind myself to ask a better question than “why am I going through this right now?” I think everyone is tempted to ask this question and it really causes doubt, anxiety and fear. In my best moments, I’m able to ask “What can I do to honor God IN SPITE of what I’m going through?” The question begs us to trust God, sometimes one of the most difficult things to do when we are in pain of one sort or another. But, I will say that when I’ve changed my perspective to ask “What?” instead of “Why?” God has never disappointed me. I’m not speaking from some lofty idealistic standpoint, but from the place where I’ve been on my face before God, feeling desperate in the midst of a struggle or tragedy. By way of example, I learned to ask this different question after a dear family member completed suicide. Truly a monumental struggle. God brought me through and I hope that whatever trouble your friend is encountering, that she can find hope…it’s right there on her doorstep. Peace
Lara I really love you. Those words spoke deep into my heart this morning when I read that. I feel God asking me to move as he did to Abraham but I am so afraid. Your post above addressed everything that was weighing on my heart this morning as I prayed, my fears, my need for discernment and wisdom.
Thank you for your ministry and your words. You are truly a gift.
Thank you, Jen! And that’s exciting, though I know it’s very scary. I pray that you continue to find encouragement for the “next steps.”
Just what I need to hear today!
Well, this was timely! And what’s been going through my head for the last week? That old gospel song, “He’s An On-Time God.”
you can ask mary & martha/ their brother lazarus was sick in bed/ they said, “Lord, please come and heal him!”/ but Jesus waited ’til he was dead/ they said, “Lord, we don’t understand it/ why you waited ’til now to come”/ then Jesus said, “lazarus, come forth!” and death let him go/ he came walkin’ out of the tomb!
So glad that this is the ending for all of us in Christ. Also glad that when my faith is weak (as Mary & Martha in this case,) he’s faithful anyway.
I thought of you after your comment this morning about control. Yes. He is on time. (Don’t you love old, true songs.)
It made me weep to see how many women were willing to place their trust in God over some anxiety-producing area of their life this weekend at CLBC. I’m so glad you came and spoke to us. Thanks
Peace
Thanks, Kathy. It was a blessing being with you all. God really moved. Praying that we move forward believing Him to be mighty! Much love to you.
thoughts…Twila Paris song
God of all, we come to praise you. We lift your name on high.
God of glory, God of majesty, God of mercy, we lift your name on high…