As a petite, skinny, freckled-face girl of eight or nine, our family travelled to St. Simon’s Island, GA, for vacation one summer. Playing in the ocean with my siblings, floating on inner tubes, and riding the waves brought much pleasure. But there was one day the sea was rougher than usual due to strong winds. I can remember attempting to paddle out on my float when suddenly the churning surf capsized and tumbled me relentlessly with its power. Not knowing if I was right side up or upside down, I eventually surfaced sputtering and spewing salty water that had gone up my nose. With eyes stinging and bathing suit full of sand, I fought to maintain my footing against the waves. My little frame, working hard to get back to shore, plunged forward with the waves only to succumb to the backward pull of the current. Finally, with great determination (and fear for my life), I made it to the shore, decided to call it quits, and promptly headed for the calmer waters of the hotel pool!
Our theme verse today emphasizes that asking for wisdom must be in faith. If we ask and then hesitate or have reservations, we are like waves blown about by the wind that come rushing up on shore, then quickly recede, back and forth, back, and forth. Doubt, like the wind, blows in from all directions, causing distractions and leaving us vulnerable, unstable, and unsure. The ways and ideas of the world rush in to invade our faith in God and stir up waves of indecision, back and forth, back, and forth.
The surf is great for beach lovers and thrill seekers. However, those who seek wisdom require a steady faith, not one that is wishy washy and constantly changing. Faith, like calm seas, will provide the much needed and longed-for serenity, security, and steadfastness. Our request for wisdom is sure to follow. [Digging deeper – Matthew 17:20, 21:21-22; Ephesians 4:14; Hebrews 11:1, 6]
Stay tuned for Part 3 Wanted: Wisdom – One Head, Not Two!
Smooth sailing,
Beverly <><
Photo Credit: images courtesy of: pixabay.com
Since joining the Navy in 2001, my husband and I have moved 7 times. Each move involves more decisions than I care to recall. Decisions such as: Do we buy or rent? What area is the best and safest for our needs? How close is it to the base? Is it within our budget? Is it big enough? Too big? How much yard upkeep is required? Are there good churches in the area?
I’m a planner and a doer with a pretty high level of energy. But when I get on overload, my body has a way of letting me know. Over the years, it has manifested itself through hives, back pain, mouth ulcers, fever blisters, and heart palpitations. With each occurrence, it seemed God was trying to get my attention by reminding me of Psalm 46:10, “Be still . . . cease striving . . . let go . . . relax . . . and know that I am God.”