Wisdom - #3 of the Seven-Fold Blessing

Everyone has had an encounter with the “woulda, coulda, shouldas.” We look back at our decisions and wonder what the outcomes might have been, were we to have demonstrated more wisdom. The Bible speaks of uncommon wisdom that is not the natural province of humankind, but is instead, the gift of God, generously given.

The third blessing in the Seven - Fold Blessing of God which can be ours through Jesus Christ is the blessing of wisdom. Indeed, God is the source of this wisdom. James 1: 5 reads, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt…”

The context of this passage is one of challenge, trial and testing. Isn’t this when wisdom is more sorely needed! Trials require divine wisdom because without such wisdom we may miss:

* The lessons God wants us to learn.
* The new skills and strengths we need for such experiences.
* The chance to go really deep with God in spiritual growth and depth.

Wisdom is needed to properly benefit from faith’s testing times. Every believer has experienced those times when faith is tested. The truth is, God is looking for people wise enough to receive the secret reward that is to be found only in the time of trial. Wisdom is needed because the ultimate purpose or reward that is written into the essence of such times of trial and testing, is never revealed on the face of that testing. Such meaning and reward must be excavated or mined from the experience of endurance if we are to receive its blessing. This is why wisdom and trial are so often associated.

Wisdom strengthens resolve so that our ability to persevere may be revealed. This self-revelation is rewarding because by it we learn something about our own stamina and endurance.

In Psalm 111:10, the Scripture reminds us that, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” There is much to be inferred from this powerful passage concerning God’s gift of wisdom to His children.

First, living irreverently is not conducive to spiritual wisdom. God cannot honor half-hearted devotion.

Second, observing God’s laws and decrees reveals a heavenly wisdom that is not of this world. This is indeed uncommon wisdom, for it recognizes that God has arranged an order into His realm that is efficient and productive. The Ten Commandments, while they are not the source of our salvation, are not restrictive or detrimental to our freedom to live productive lives. Indeed, these laws protect us and shield us from the life that is outside the protective environs of God’s approval.

Loving God with all one’s being reveals a humility and a deference to God’s sovereignty. When we live in this way, we are no longer resisting God’s sovereignty in our affairs. We recognize that God is always working in our behalf, though we may not be able to see it or understand it.

This places us in a receptive position to be led by God and to receive divine guidance. It is wisdom to trust God implicitly, knowing that when we do, we shall be blessed with that uncommon wisdom that receives from God, His special blessing in life!

Grace and peace,
Dave Felter