In review of Job 12:13 this morning, I read that “True wisdom and real power belong to God; from him we learn how to live, and also what to live for.” (The Message)
But true wisdom and power are God’s. He alone knows what we should do; he understands.
No leader has any real wisdom apart from God. No research or report can outweigh God's opinion. No scientific discovery or medical advance takes him by surprise. When I look for guidance for my decisions, I must recognize that God's wisdom is superior to any the world has to offer. Don't let earthly advisers dampen my desire to know God better.
The Bible tells the story of Job, a man who loved and served God. But he lost almost everything; his wealth, health, and children. All in the span of one day. Job’s story shows me how to worship even when I’m wounded. Even in the worst times, I can worship God by invoking his wisdom and strength. Soon after Job had lost it all, he was on the ground in agony, grieving his losses and suffering physically from illness.
Three of Job’s friends showed up and eventually started giving advice. A lot of it wasn’t very helpful, but one friend, Eliphaz, told him, “If I were you, I would call on God and bring my problem before him” (Job 5:8 NCV).
Eliphaz tells Job to invoke God’s help. What does it mean to “invoke”? It means to appeal to someone greater than myself for a special act, power, or privilege. That was good advice.
When I’m confused, angry, doubting, and wounded, don’t turn away from God. Instead, turn toward him because he’s the only one who has the power to really comfort.
Once when Jesus was talking to a crowd, he was telling the people what changes they would have to make in their lives in order to follow him. But they didn’t want any demands on their lives, so they started walking away.
John 6:67-68 says Jesus turned to his disciples and asked, “Do you also want to leave?” One of the men, Peter, said, “Lord, where would we go? You have the words of eternal life” (CEB).
If I turn away from God in pain, where will I go? No one else can help me like he can. So instead of turning away from him, invoke his strength and wisdom.
Following Jesus won’t exempt me from life’s problems. But it does mean God’s wisdom and strength are available to me. So I need to turn to him, and he’ll show me what to do and give me the power to do it.
In summary, true wisdom and real power belong to God. It is from him I learn what I should do, how to live and what to live for. When I look for guidance for my decisions, I must recognize that God's wisdom is superior to any that I would find in the world. So, look to God and bring / appeal my problem before him. Instead of turning away in troubled situations, I need to turn toward him. He is the only one who has the power to really comfort. Unfortunately, Following Jesus won't exempt me from life's problems. However it does mean that God's wisdom and strength are available to me. So I need to allow him to show me what to do and to give me the power to do it.
Often I struggle through or endure problem situations or difficulties on my own. Today’s verse and study remind me that I need to let God know how I feel and what I’m going through. Then ask him for his wisdom and guidance in what to do and the strength to do it.
I pray this morning Father for that I will take the things that come up today and challenge me to you, and ask you on the spot for your wisdom and guidance. I also ask you in advance for wisdom and guidance for my day, my tasks, my leadership and my interaction with others. I aks these things through your Son Jesus name, Amen.
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