BESEECHING GOD’S WISDOM

I never like reading the bible before. You will often see me reading strategy books both in management and in war like Carl von Clausewitz’s ”On War” and Sun Tzu’s “Art of War”. Worst oftentimes, I would be watching porn or drinking alcohol but you would never see me holding the bible.

Thus, preparing for my first bible study in West Africa is very difficult for me. In addition to that, my mind was distraught the past few days. My mother was sick, my sister had a car accident, work added on to stress and my personal relationship failed. I felt I was not in the position to lead a group until my colleague asked me to take the lead. 

I prayed for God for wisdom so I may be able to guide my group accordingly.  As I primed and open the Bible in search for wisdom, one of the book in the old testament appears again.

 “He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses.  He had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”  

I am an amateur Christian and I have little knowledge of the bible, thus it is inspiring to hear of stories of leaders worth emulating for their wisdom.  I understand that old testament is new testament concealed, that these books provide a historical perspective in relation with the new testament.

As I read on the bible, I came across the message of God for us for today. He directed me to Ecclesiastes 8-9 that talks exactly about WISDOM.

One of the verses says “The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.  Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” (Ecclesiastes 9:17-18).

Indeed, I have found His message for us that day – WISDOM.

We started the bible study group with a worship song. After singing two worship songs I started receiving skype messages through my phone. I ignored it for awhile but I had to go turn it off since it’s annoying.  Before I was able to turn it off, I saw a message from my sister. She says “Nanay will be released tomorrow from Medical City”. I had  goose bumps and realize that at that instance God answered my prayer and it was fast.  I immediately relay this to the group and they all remarked “Praise God”.

As we reflected on the verses and relate to our own personal lives, we came to realize how we have grown dependent only on our own capabilities and oftentimes too proud to beseech God’s wisdom. When we started holding high positions we tend to be deaf with the opinions of our subordinates or even forget to ask God for wisdom. The verses talks about true wisdom that can only be achieved by following the commandment and surrendering to God.

Sometimes, when we face challenges in our life, we tried all our best to be in control. This is wrong and stressful. When we have done everything we can, we should learn to let go and let God intervene.  After more than an hour of sharing and praying, everyone agreed that the bible discussion was a success and that we have to do it on a regular basis. The participants are Depot Heads that will be assigned to different areas in Africa. It is my hope that whatever we are starting now can eventually be replicated in their assigned areas.

Now I understand that there’s more wisdom I would learn from reading the bible. Indeed, God always pursues us. He waits for us to open the door. He waits for us to love Him back.

Seeking God is the start of true wisdom.