The Construction of a House

Tonight after going for a walk with my friend, Joe, and learning about the construction of houses he has worked on, not only do I have a new appreciation for architecture and the people who go to great lengths to build these houses, but also an appreciation for all the many different perspectives God has blessed us with.

What I mean by this statement is that before tonight, I would look at a house and think “Oh, that’s a really cool house.” My comment would be referring to the outside appearance, possibly of the color of brick or the bay windows on the 2nd floor. Ha notice, my limited wisdom in this area? However, when Joe looks at a house, he has a different perspective – seeing how many windows the second floor has and thinking how much time and energy goes into figuring out the specific angles of each gable. It’s so amazing to think that when we look at our trials and think that God is trying to punish us, God is looking down on our same situation and seeing the full picture and knowing how He just wants to see us grow and know Him more intimately! :)

As I have stated in previous devotionals, I feel we are limited in our wisdom and cannot fathom the entirety of God’s plan. To expand on this thought, I am reminded of the sermon I heard this morning on wisdom. The main point my Executive Pastor made was that true wisdom can only be found from the Lord. So often we run to friends, family, therapists, or self-help books for answers, and forget that the One who knows all is the best place for us seek wisdom. As we all know, friends, family, and therapists are great sources when we need help with life, but it is important to seek God first when needing guidance. (Note: I did not say self-help books because they focus solely on the self and that is not how God wants us to live – focusing solely on ourselves, that is.)
Matthew 6:33 confirms this by saying, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Lastly, I want to leave you with a passage from Proverbs that was the basis of today’s sermon. It gives a better picture of what true wisdom looks like and how it should be attained (refer to verse 7).
Proverbs 1:1-7
“Prologue: Purpose and Theme
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;
3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

May we seek the Lord’s perspective first and foremost when needing answers and guidance for the unknown. I pray that today we will have a better understanding of how limited in wisdom we are without our Heavenly Father and Creator. And let us cling to the hope we have in Christ!

Blessings,
Shannon

“Run To You” – Third Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i6h3FRFYH4