Seek Wisdom

When we seek God and we pray for wisdom, God will give it to us. It is God’s will for us to grow wise in His ways. If we are His children, and we are praying in His will, He won’t give us a snake when we pray for a fish. So it is clear that we should all pray for wisdom and guidance.

And this wisdom and guidance doesn’t just come from the “snap of God’s fingers” – Yes, it can come that way, but I’ve found that is usually not His way. No, He guides us and teaches us. He taught me my own foolishness in those times that I struck out on my own to gain something, only to see it destroyed before my eyes when the storms or the fire of trials came along. And in teaching me about my own foolishness, I learn His wisdom.

Yes, this is the way that a strong willed, foolish man had to grow in the truth of God. If you are not strong willed, you might read it, follow it, and not struggle in your life. But I am strong willed, and He teaches me by breaking my will.

It is when my eyes are opened to the truth of my life – when I see that those things that I chased did not last, the flavor wore out, I found them to be more of a trap and a source of destruction and damage in my life than a pleasure over time. It is then that I begin to see the truth – that His ways are best.

And I am thankful to have walked this walk of being proven foolish, of having my will broken – because now I am just as strong willed as ever, but my will is coming in alignment with His will. And there is blessing and power and strength in walking in the will of God. I don’t say that in pride, I say it in humble reverence and awe – that God would use even me, the rebellious and strong willed prodigal son. Yes, He forgives even me.

So let’s pray for His wisdom, let’s be bold enough to step out in faith, and let’s know that even when we make mistakes, they are life lessons in wisdom. But I encourage you – the reading, trusting, and following is the easier path – I have the stripes and the battle scars to prove it.