Wisdom...

At PowerHouse Christian Center, a lot of us have taken the challenge to read a proverb a day. And why shouldn't we? There are 31 chapters in Proverbs, and most months have 31 days...it's a great way to start or end your day. That being said, if you read your proverb there are lots of things you could get out of it.

This chapter was mainly about acquiring wisdom, and as I was reading this proverb, I had many thoughts come to my mind. First of all, like many things, this states that in life things are very much so black or white, especially when it comes to wisdom. You either EMBRACE wisdom or you REJECT it. While the first part of the proverb clearly speaks about the benefits of wisdom, the latter part of the chapter expresses that you should be cautious because if you reject wisdom you would turn toward evil.

So, upon studying this proverb, I realized that seeking wisdom should be a high priority with our lives. And where does wisdom come from? GOD!! Upon further study of wisdom coming from God, I was led to a passage in James. I would like to share it here. It is quoted from the NKJV.

James 1: 5-8
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 Let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double minded man, unstable in all his ways.

WOW!

That passage certainly caught my attention!!! First, I need to go to the SOURCE for wisdom---meaning go to GOD! Second, I need to take ALL my decisions to God because I CERTAINLY don't want to enter into a decision foolishly as my husband and I have been VERY guilty of in the past (which became VERY evident in cleaning our house!!!). Anyway, I don't want to go into decisions foolishly.

From reading both the Proverb of the day as well as this passage in James, I realized that it's important that I train myself to take ALL decisions to God. This is especially evident in my current situation where I am seeking a job for the summer. But even in this, God has a lesson for me.

If you know my history, I am a certified teacher...have been since 2005 (it's 2007 now, and that makes a year and a half). I have applied for MANY classroom teaching positions (both public and private jobs). EVERY interview that i have had, they have given me the same response "We want you for the job, BUT (which should be a 4 letter word!) BUT you don't have experience!" Many times I have thought in my head: how am I going to get experience if you don't let me into your school?

It's been a frustrating experience, especially when people who ARE NOT certified are getting jobs. Anyway, recently, my position as a math tutor ended, and I took a small break (much needed) from jobs. However, it has become very clear to me recently that i NEED a job. So I've been talking to various people and starting that obnoxious hunt again! And so far this year, I've continued to hear the same response about how I'm qualified and they want me, but again, no experience.

It's been frustrating, and I've spent many days in tears out of this frustration. Yesterday was one of those days. And with my ever increasing frustration, I found it difficult to make the CHOICE to be happy (you do know you have the choice to be happy or to be upset, right???) So last night, in all my tired frustration, God had encouraging words to say. (Side note from Kristi: if you DON'T read the Proverbs each day...TRY IT....you'd be amazed at how God speaks to you in those verses!) Anyway, so God had the proverb for me and the passage in James.

It was then that i realized that this is no sweat to God. He has a plan for my life, and my job. There is SOMETHING out there for me, and I just need to seek His perfect WISDOM on it. HIS wisdom will guide me to the right job for me, and I will be MUCH HAPPIER doing that job than if I just settle for something that has a paycheck.

Are you waiting on God's perfect wisdom? It's a process---and it's hard for the flesh sometimes, BUT, it's a process! And in that process, God is walking with us EVERY SINGLE STEP of the way...in fact....if we're willing, HE GOES AHEAD OF US!! We just need to follow in His footsteps!!! (Think of the little kid following his daddy trying to fit his little footprints into the ones the dad left!!!) When we follow in God's footsteps for our life, we will gain wisdom, understanding, and truly experience JOY and all the other fruits of the Spirit :)

I'm happy now, are you???