Knowing something needs to be done, and knowing how to get it done are two different things. How something is done determines the quality of the outcome. Simply taking action is not always the best option. While it is true that in some situations, overthinking and procrastinating accomplishes nothing, acting without wisdom can be outright devastating. Whether it’s something mechanical in the physical realm, or it’s relational on personal level, great damage can be done when it’s done incorrectly. Trying to move forward with missing information can actually move things backward. That means a hurried response may very well be counterproductive. Being reactive or impulsive can be costly! We cannot afford to allow even the most urgent situation to move us before acquiring the much needed wisdom to respond correctly! “But you don’t understand, my situation is dire!” That may very well be, but much needed wisdom can come faster than a twinkling of an eye, if you take time to ask. James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. “I don’t have time to pray.” You can ask quickly; God can keep up. You just have to let go of the control.
When you ask God for wisdom, keep this in mind: things don’t always make sense when you don’t have all the information. Obviously, He has all the information, for He is all-knowing (Omniscient); nonetheless, He may not tell you everything. Whether you know what He knows or not; God wants you to simply trust Him. This is especially true if He asks you to do something that makes no sense to you whatsoever. There are times we are not in a position to be able to handle knowing everything involved. As people jokingly say, “If God told me everything, I’d mess things up.” There may be an element of truth to that statement. For example, there is a part in many of us that doesn’t like discomfort. Knowing discomfort is on the horizon, may cause us to veer off track, because self-preservation kicked into gear. Maturity will deny the self, pick up its cross and follow Jesus (see Matthew 16:24-25); however, sometimes we have some growing to do before He reveals some things ahead of time. Jesus even said to His disciples, “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now” (John 16:12). Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. There may be times when He does indeed lead us and it seems to contradict the Bible. To be sure, He will never contradict His Word because He will never contradict Himself. Perhaps, what is at issue is that we don’t have a proper understanding of what it says, or we are missing other verses of Scripture that will bring proper clarity. Ask Jesus to reveal it to you in the Bible, should you ever encounter such a thing. The beautiful thing about God is that He is a loving Father Who will put us on the right track if we happen to get off track. We simply have to stay teachable. He is faithful!
Frustration and anxiety comes when we try to move full steam ahead on our own. A life of faith is meant to relational in nature. Conversing with Abba (Daddy/Father) about any given situation will lead us to the right course of action, or non-action for that matter. Hebrews 4:10 helps in putting things in proper perspective: For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Remember, Jesus did what He saw the Father doing and said what He heard Him speak. It was all relational. Getting the heart of Abba is paramount in our approach to life. Walking by faith pleases Him (see Hebrews 11:6). Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Without belaboring the point, you would be surprised how much wisdom is available and on tap by simply staying in a place of communion with Abba. And with that, peace!
