When I do not Know What to do
By Dean Honeycutt
Mitchell County
Just about everywhere you go people are looking for guidance. The COVID -19 pandemic has added a lot of decisions to everyday living. For example, do I need to wear a mask, should I be vaccinated, should I homeschool, should I avoid crowds, and should I start taking zinc and vitamin D? This is only a small list of the many questions people are asking today. On top of all these questions, we do not seem to have any answers or where to turn for help.
Everyone has an opinion on what to do. And doctors and the CDC do not always agree with what other experts are saying. With all this information overload where can we find help?
We often feel like Solomon who said “life is vanity and a vexation of spirit.” When talking with people I often hear them say, “I do not know what to believe anymore.” When we do not know what to believe or how to make confident daily decisions life can be difficult and frustrating.
James said we can ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 (KJV 1900) “5 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.”
The wisdom of God is what we need. And if I were deciding, I would want the wisdom of God. But the wisdom of God seems elusive. The Book of proverbs written by the wisest man said this about wisdom: Proverbs 2:1–9 (KJV 1900)
“1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words,
And hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom,
And apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge,
And liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver,
And searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord giveth wisdom:
Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous:
He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment,
And preserveth the way of his saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment,
And equity; yea, every good path.”
Notice the Bible says the Lord gives wisdom. But to whom does the Lord give wisdom? The Bible says the Lord gives wisdom to the righteous. The righteous is the one who applies the practical application of God’s word to their life. The one who walks in obedience to God will understand the fear of the Lord.
So, wisdom is the practical application of God’s Word in my life and my obedience to him. I cannot have wisdom apart from the fear of the Lord and obedience to God’s word. The fear of the Lord is my submission to Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
As obedient Christians, at times we cannot see the wisdom of God playing out in our lives, but it is there. When we apply God’s word to our life and follow him faithfully the wisdom of God is present with us. Did David understand everything that was going on in his life when he was fleeing from Saul? Did Noah understand all that God was doing when he was building the Ark? Did Paul or any of the Apostles understand all that God was doing in their lives when they were persecuted, jailed, or in distress? The answer to these questions is no. However, one thing they all had in common is faith and trust in God.
I can assure you that all these men were guided by God’s wisdom. Looking back over life we will see God’s wisdom. God’s wisdom does not mean life will be without ups and downs, just as life had ups and downs for the heroes of faith in Hebrews chapter 11. God’s wisdom will guide us and help us, God will establish our path in life. Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV 1900)
“5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
And lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,
And he shall direct thy paths.”
When seeking guidance for an important decision read God’s word and ask God for clarity and peace. Move forward in faith observing where God may be at work to move you forward or to take you in a different direction.
Be encouraged today God is in control and on the throne. God’s wisdom is in us and for us.
Live life “No Regrets”
Pastor Dean.
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Pastor Dean Honeycutt shepherds Snow Hill Baptist Church in Bakersville, NC. He may be reached at 828-385-0213, snowhillbaptist@gmail.com, or visit their website at www.snowhillbaptist.com.
You can read more good Christian news from Dean HERE.
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