Time to Stand and Apply Wisdom
Part Two from If Not Us
By: Jennifer Miller
In my last blog I discussed the issue at hand which is that we fail to address our problems in a timely manner or if at all. We are so used to sweeping things under the rug or telling ourselves we will deal with this at a later date. What is the old adage ? Out of sight and out of mind. We wallow in our problem or mess until we decide to do something.
Unfortunately, right now is the perfect example. Our country is in shambles. We have division and no unity whatsoever. We have children being taken right in front of us and no one bats an eye. Everyone is willing to go to war, but few are trying to find a peaceful resolution. Basically, we are all talking out of both sides of our mouth and nothing gets addressed or resolved.
My last blog showed through many examples how we are to look out for one another and take care of those that are unable to care for themselves. We have an ample supply of pithy remarks, but it appears to be all for show. Why? Because we can talk the talk, but we cannot walk it. Problems must be addressed! In order to find the most viable solution we need to apply the ideas at hand. Without application the concept just hangs in mid-air. Just think of how far we could have come if we applied action to the concept at hand!
First, we need to use wisdom. What is wisdom? Per Oxford Dictionary it is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise. When you seek to resolve a question or issue you go to a counsel of others and inquire of their wisdom. We acknowledge their experience in handling conflict. As noted in James 3:13 and in James 1:5 he states the attributes of wisdom and the importance of obtaining wisdom:
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.”
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
God does not rebuke or criticize us when we seek wisdom. He gladly grants us wisdom. People gravitate to the wise for advice. They see the fruit of the wise. A wise person continues to grow even as they age as Job 12:12 states:
“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long-life bring understanding?”
We are instructed to delve deep into the Word to seek knowledge and gain wisdom. When we do so, take a moment and apply this to your life. Look at past behavior and assess if it was applied to the situation at the time of your struggle. Did you adhere to it or did you decide you can get yourself out of this mess on your own? Drop the veil and earnestly seek the answer. People are stubborn and once they have a mindset of how to solve something (or fail to address it) they stick to that pattern. Our pride rears its head and we listen to ourselves and not to others who may have gone through what we are going through. A case in point, the Israelites thought that they could handle anything and soon they experienced everything despite God warning them through the prophets. They refused to listen and apply wisdom. What resulted? Repeatedly, they fell and cried out to the Lord for help. He answered them and sent help in the form of the prophets, but they refused to listen. They were that petulant child who had to have his or her way. They rebelled (threw a tantrum) until they got what they desired; thus suffering the consequences of their lack of insight or wisdom. This is where we are at right now! I pray we do not make the same mistakes.
Once we have acquired good sound counsel, we must look at our intention on how to resolve the issue. Do we intend to comply and add to the problem by being complacent or do we intend to stop this issue now and avoid further damage? What are we hoping to accomplish and where do we draw the line? Boundaries must be set. It is here that we must decide who we are, to whom we belong and seek wisdom to achieve our intentions. Resolution does not mean we are constantly planning the stages or strategy of this battle. There comes a time in which we must move past the plan and put it into motion.
Putting a plan into motion takes courage to face whatever comes from the battle. Wisdom is found in Deuteronomy 31:6 when Joshua is encouraged to step forward and follow God’s plan to have the walls of Jericho fall. Joshua may have hesitated at some point, but God wanted faithfulness and action. Read the verse to feel the power of His message:
“Be courageous and strong. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
We have God’s promise and assurance that he will remain with us during our struggle. His word holds up every time. There is no need to procrastinate, but rather this promise should motivate you to continue and pursue your objective.
Once the plan is in motion you need to trust that God will lead you down the right path. He is the one who will establish our steps and His Holy Spirit will enable us to speak the truth. Look at the following verses below:
In Proverbs 16:9 we learn to lean on God and set our foolish pride/arrogance aside. We do not have all the answers, so we must walk in faith and listen for His guidance.
“A man’s heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps.”
In Luke 12:12 we learn to wait on the Lord and wait for the Holy Spirit to speak through us during times such as this.
“For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
In conclusion we have God’s assurance to stand by us during our struggle, his guidance on how to resolve our issue, His encouragement to follow through on that plan or strategy; thus action needs to be taken, and the confidence that He has equipped us with all that we need to continue on and walk in faith. Trust Him. Rely on His power alone. Address the problem, assess the situation, strategize, and act on it, but first seek His wisdom and the wisdom of a wise counsel. Pray unceasingly and face whatever lies ahead. God bless. You are in the hands of God!