Getting Back Into The Swing Of Things: Exercising Wisdom In Discerning God's Will
I’ve always loved September. It’s like a reset month of a lot of things starting back up again. In this month, fashion will reconvene for its most important month of the year, universities are getting back into motion, kids are going back to school, parliamentary house are getting back into session, the United Nations reconvenes this month, and all of us will get back into a serious mode of working for the next two months. I also love how the leaves begin to change, signifying the change from summer to autumn.
We’re all getting back into the swing of things in this age of Covid, and as we start up again, we may be faced with questions of trying to discern the voice of God. Some of us have been asking God for months or years, “what should I do in this situation?” Some of us have been trying to discern the voice and will of God in a matter for so long that we’re exasperated wondering, “where is He?”
It typically isn’t in God’s nature to just spout off at the mouth with details about His will in our lives. He doesn’t speak so directly on matters and hold our hands through every situation in life, but, He does have a will on every matter. When we’re at a crossroads, exasperated in trying to receive direction from God, and we’ve been waiting on Him for months or years, we should then use wisdom in making decisions.
Say you’ve been praying about your partner, asking God if he or she is the one, but you’re not sure yet to move into the direction of marriage. Well, in this instance, you have to exercise Biblical wisdom. If you know he or she isn’t born-again and walking in relationship with God, and are not equally yoked with you, then exercising wisdom here is key- according the Scripture and God’s standards for marriage they aren’t “the one.” Even if they are kind and tick all other boxes for you, they aren’t the one.
“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14
Say you’re dating someone and you’re all in and excited about the relationship but they’re not quite present and consistent. You’re trying to keep it going but the more you strive the more it seems to be coming apart. Wisdom says that they’re most likely not into you and it’s best to cut it off. Staying in a loveless dating or friendship relationship isn’t healthy, helpful or sensible for your heart.
Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
Say you’re thinking of going into business with someone and you’ve had some good chats with, you two are one the same page about this business venture, and they seem like the one. But, there’s something inside that doesn’t feel right. You can’t put your finger on it, but there’s something not right. Wisdom says heed gut feelings and intuition. In this instance if you’re not having peace with this potential business partner, then don’t move forward. Continue to wait until you have peace, or don’t go into business with them.
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.” Ephesians 1:17
No matter what the rest of this year brings, we’re all going to need wisdom, especially Godly wisdom. And getting Godly wisdom starts with knowing God, being in relationship with Him, and being in His Word. The Bible has solutions to every problem that we may encounter in life. And, being Spirit led, instead of senses led is a great way to get back into the swing of things.