Gazing at the Ripples in the Water

This was one of the first random blog ideas I had written down in my idea notebook back in 2017, when I initially began my blog. I was thinking about the wisdom needed for decisions that we make in life and how every decision, even a small one, has an effect on yourself and/or others. I looked at it sort of like when dropping a pebble into a pool of water. It causes the reaction of ripples going from the center outward in every direction.  You never know what those ripples will interact with, possibly the ripples of someone else’s decision.

The thing that brought this idea to mind was a journal entry from 8/27/2017.

“Today I dipped my toe into the water of the unknown. This morning from hearing a song that I learned at summer camp to the words of a missionary journeyman, I felt confirmation. Then tonight my cousin’s seven year-old daughter, two states away,  told her momma that she needed to call and pray for me.  Call and pray for me she did! From  the innocent prayer of a child, confirmation.”

The ripples from that decision in 2017 are still affecting those around me today. I was stuck in a holding pattern and I needed wisdom from God to have the courage to move forward and dip my toe into a different pool. It has taken patience on my part with others who still do not understand my decision; but I have a double confirmation from God that allowed that patience to flourish. 

James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and also Jesus’ half brother, wrote a letter to those living outside the region. They were having a difficult time and were facing persecution. They needed some guidance and wisdom. James tried to tell them that they needed to have patience and seek God’s wisdom. 

In the first part of his letter (James 1:4-6,) he told them that sometimes they had to accept that they needed patience, along with wisdom to work out circumstances for their good. The goal being that they would be more like Christ and that they would have what they need. 

When we are in need of wisdom the place we should go is to God. He has the wisdom that we need and He will gladly give it to us generously. He also will not criticize us for asking. 

When we do ask, we should ask in faith without hesitation. When we hesitate and are unsure it is like we are being tossed about on the sea by the wind and waves with no anchor. 

The challenge this passage presents to us is to use patience for decision making, and when seeking wisdom, seek God. We tend to run to friends, self help books, the Internet, teachers, or even clergy to give us wisdom.  True wisdom comes from God. We can find instruction and wisdom for any circumstance within God’s Word. 

How can we apply this scripture to our lives? When we realize that we need wisdom from God, we need to come to Him with our whole heart, believing.  Because when we ask without faith we show that our dependence is not all on God.

How does this strengthen my faith? I can praise God that He never looks down on me when I come to Him for wisdom; also that He will give me the wisdom I need when I ask of Him. 

Lord. I thank You that You have provided a resource for the times I need wisdom. Help me realize the times that I need to come to You for wisdom. I am blessed that Your Word reveals Your generous spirit. When I come to You with need for wisdom, You generously provide it without judging me for needing it. Help my ripples in the water to have positive effects all around.

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“4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” James 1:4-6

“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;” 2 Timothy 3:14 (KJV)

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Psalm 32:8 (KJV)

“But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15 (KJV)

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall [a]direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6 (KJV)

“I waited patiently for the Lord And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1 (KJV)

“That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:17 (KJV)

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I feel that since God has given me the gift of this platform, I must always tell you about Him.  

What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe, the source of all wisdom?  Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him?  You can know Him.  Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity.  You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.  

Here is an excellent website that can give you additional information about making your decision for Jesus Christ!  PeaceWithGod.net

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Blog Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay