Wisdom

Wisdom

The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.

WHEN CAROL FIRST CONFIDED that God was telling her to move the women’s conference to St. Cloud, my eyes bulged just a bit. I’d long ago learned that Carol’s wisdom—gleaned through prayer—often does not match what conventional business gurus would suggest. I could think of several places better suited to holding the conference, but Carol is more finely attuned to hear from God than most, and I’d learned to hold my tongue and watch God and Carol work.

Over the next three years, Carol gently, humbly, prayerfully established relationships, took risks, soothed naysayers, and moved Thrive to St. Cloud. It sells out every year, and, in hindsight, it was a brilliant move.

God’s wisdom is often upside down and inside out from what the “experts” would say, at least initially. He knows what is coming, and he often places his people in position for Kingdom work before the time arrives. Remember poor Noah!

How do we know we’re hearing from God? God is consistent and unchanging. His wisdom will not conflict with Scripture. And our enemy embeds a kernel of truth in his most devastating lies. Read Scripture. Know the Bible. It is your best way to know whether you are hearing from God or believing a lie.

Secondly, God may use someone else to confirm what he has already told you, but be wary when someone claims to have heard from God on your behalf. God promises wisdom to anyone who asks. He will not tell your friend, neighbor, or fellow church member something he hasn’t also told you.

Finally, remember that God might be asking you to wait rather than to leap. We often want to wriggle our way out of an uncomfortable situation ahead of God’s timing. God’s timing, God’s way, God’s wisdom is always worth waiting for.

Lord, you promise wisdom to any who ask. We lay our circumstances at your feet. Give us wisdom in how to proceed. Amen.

-Julie

One Good Word: Pray James 1:5 over a situation. (“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”) Then pause, allowing God an opportunity to respond.