I can't count the times that I have missed it or 'heard wrong'. In one moment we can have more trouble than its worth because we think we know what we are doing, because it makes perfect sense at the time. Years ago I asked God for wisdom. I believe He answered that prayer and others that I have helped have told me the same. God helps me help others by giving them a little wisdom from God's word, but when it comes to something that deals with me and only me- I can completely miss it. Sounds like someone else I know...
KING SOLOMON
I remember well the story of Solomon. (1 Kings 3)
He was known as the wisest man in the world, born to David and his wife Bathsheba after they lost their previous son. God loved Solomon so one day He appeared to him in a dream and told him to ask what he wanted and it would be given to him. Humbly, Solomon asked for wisdom to judge the people. He stated that he was a child, unlearned and he was not sure how to judge God's great people. God was pleased with his humility and told him since he didn't ask for long life or wealth, He would give him what he asked for and all that he didn't. As a young believer, I was intrigued with that story and believed that he must have already had some wisdom even before being asked.
Through his reign we hear about his wisdom, but the most popular story was the account of two women with one dead baby, and one live one. (1 Kings 3:16) He made what was a difficult decision in a very unusual way, everyone knew then that his means of judging was different. God's wisdom was evident. But then other things showed up in his life... like 300 wives and 500 side chicks. It seemed like a good idea since he made alliances with various kings in the region and was able to avoid war. (although God already told him he would build, not fight.) As a result the 'high places' were built, to accommodate the various religions of his wives. This was a blemish to the relationship the children of Israel had with a jealous God. So what seemed like a wise decision, backfired.
I found that Solomon, the wisest man in the world had great wisdom to rule others, but not always wisdom to rule himself. That is how I feel at times.
YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH/GREATEST WEAKNESS
One thing I have learned over the years is that the area of your greatest strength can also be the area of your greatest weakness. If we are not careful, we can get prideful in the things we do right, and it becomes a vulnerable place that the enemy can use against us. This is not just true for those who walk in wisdom, but also those who are full of joy- they may battle depression more than you think because it becomes a challenge to keep the face of joy if it is not coming from God. Those who may be great teachers may be challenged with accepting and walking in actual truth, our understanding can be tainted by our constant research and our own reasoning. Some who may be worship leaders may be tempted to worship the gift instead of the Giver of the gifts. Before you know it, God is not invited to our concerts or worship experiences. Those who love order and structure may be out of order in how they enforce it. It goes on, and on. So what do we do?
YIELDING TO GOD
The best way to overcome the battle between your strength and weaknesses is to yield both to God. Walking around like we are exempt from failure in the area we thrive in, is a breeding ground for defeat- because the bible says if we exalt ourselves we will be abased. But at the same time allowing our weaknesses to defeat us... is already a defeat. We have to be diligent about going to God and asking Him daily about things we are 'good' at, while trusting His grace in the things we are not. I was once in the daily habit of asking God for wisdom, I am not sure when I stopped, but based on some decisions I made during that time, it had to become a habit and a constant prayer again. I encourage you to be great at what you are great at, but yield it to God so He has the final say and gets the glory from your gift. Always yield your strengths and weaknesses to Him understanding that without Him, it is not a gift at all. Allow His grace to govern your life in every area, not just the area that helps or blesses others.
Walk in your strength knowing that the weak side of it is never far away.
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