Good morning world!
Can I share something wonderful with you?
I don’t really consider my self “highly intelligent”. Yes, I carried good grades all through school and college and continue to learn each and every day; and honestly, I am amazed every day at all God enables me do! HOWEVER, I don’t consider myself “overly smart”. More, I am constantly amazed at all God can do through me!
Perhaps, I have also learned today through writing this is that my words, began as “smart/intelligent” but now I understand it is really about humility verses pride. It is all about Grace. We are wonderfully made by God! It is all about God! In the world we can define things differently than God’s perspective many times! But, when we examine our words carefully, we can correct our words with spiritual eyes.
My first lesson I addressed with a new group of 4th graders was, “I don’t want to talk about what you are good at; I want to talk about what you think you are bad at.” I went on to explain that I was really challenged with math, but I have learned that God is really good at it; and HE helps me!!! I told the class how I avoided every business and accounting class known to man in college on purpose, because I hated accounting. Yet, all these years later, I have found that God has put me to work in every weak area that I thought I have!!! What I am weak in, God has made strong!
What makes me successful at the work I do? I work hard; really hard at all I do and God helps me! This is the honest truth!
Why am I telling you this today?
Yesterday, I got up at 3 in the morning to study God’s messages that He had waiting for me! I studied in God’s Word, preparing for my turn to teach in The Good News Club at school from 3AM until 9 O’Clock that morning! I couldn’t believe how time passed by so quickly! I was never bored and I wanted more! Yet, my brain was filled to what felt like overflow capacity; and I didn’t want to lose any of my knowledge I had gained!
I told my husband that if I had one wish, I would wish that I could take the power of ALL the knowledge that comes to me, and in me FROM God … in the Power of learning IN God’s Word; and deliver every morsel to the class, but there will not be enough time!
Yes, I know that the Holy Spirit will work through me and for this I am excited to learn what God will teach on that day!!!
Yet, I did have this honest desire for my brain to be like a man-made computer!
I have knowledge and understanding that God WILL deliver HIS messages as I hope and in His time. My confidence and faith is in Jesus! Jesus, the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit are our gifts of power to do His work! Every good work comes from God!
Yet, in my human capacity I said, I wish I could deliver God’s Word as beautifully as God delivers His messages to me! Sounds like doubt to me … God can’t use doubt, but HE will use faith!
What I was innocently wishing for was my ability alone. I don’t doubt the power of the Holy Spirit in me, but what I was really innocently wishing for was independence!
But God doesn’t leave us in our innocence very long! God uncovers the truth for us to see!!!
I said, I wish my brain could contain it all; and retain it all, BUT, I said that I was certain that God will use it in bits and pieces, in His time; and according to His timing and bidding, but I said what I wished … BUT is a word to watch for, because but cancels doubt, “but” will also cancel our faith if we let it.
You see, what I really wished for was one of those “highly intelligent” brains that could remember everything; I really wished to be that “smart”.
Now, please don’t misunderstand! I am plenty smart, according to the way God made me. And highly intelligent people are equally gifted in their making by God’s design!
My point is directing to my good morning revelation!
As I went outside this morning with a cup of hot coffee to say good morning to God, I sit on the swing and here comes the cat. She is so sweet and just wanted to love on me. Nature was singing praises to God and God was with me!
As I sit there in admiration and adoration of God in His presence, I talked with Him. I said the Lord’s Perfect Prayer before my eyes were fully open; and now I sit in His presence just talking with God.
In my conversation, I realized that if I was “smart” like I had wished for; If God had given me a brain that big for everything God teaches me; then I wouldn’t need to depend on God everyday!!!
This is huge to me today!
And, then I thought of those who are highly intelligent! If you are one of those people who have a photographic memory, then I encourage you not to take that gift for granted … or misuse it! Use your gifts (regardless of what those gifts are); and make it your goal to glorify the Lord! Then, God gives us power together with all the saints in HIS church!
I simply encourage you in the Lord to depend on God for delivering you a new message each and every day!
Don’t depend on your intelligence, like I had wished for! Depend on the Lord; and watch what God will do!
Well, I hope this encourages you to dive deeper in your trusting relationship with God! I am so excited to see God work through me! I am glad the Lord gave me permission to share this with you today!
God brought this Scripture to my mind to share:
“That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble (James 4:6).”
God bless you! If you have any questions or comments for me, email me @ karen@hopeintoday.com
I will answer if & as the Lord enables me.
Love in Christ,
Karen Rowe, my prayer: “Father, help me do your work through me at my expense.”
Hope in Today Ministries, Inc.
The Train Whistle, Sounding the call of Gods Love
For deeper study on this subject: Open your Bible and begin!
Already, the Lord is revealing more and more to me; and I will leave you with this insight:
Why would I wish to be equipped in my own knowledge?
Awe, that is a deep subject there!!! Think of Adam and Eve; are we much different?
Thank God we have Jesus and the Holy Spirit to help us in Today!
Will you Praise God with me right now!!!
Are you ready to go to the Word of God?
James 3:16 is a powerful verse to recognize in our everyday steps with Jesus!
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
2 Corinthians 12:20
For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.