Wisdom Knows Where to Find Wisdom

Have you ever faced a situation where you simply did not know what to do? I can think of many such times. I don’t really enjoy those situations, as I like to have ready plans and solutions for problems–and actually enjoy the creative parts of figuring out a plan. I can think that perhaps if I brainstorm enough, ask enough questions, read enough books, use enough diagrams, and even “sleep on it,” a great solution will emerge. While there are advantages to having an eagerness to find strategies and solutions, there is also an accompanying temptation named “self-reliance.”

I can feel helpless when stuck without a plan of action, so can be tempted to think that surely “I” can and should think of one. Therein lies the problem. I am challenged and inspired by the faithful and vulnerable attitude of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:12.

O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you. 

Though taking initiative, thinking strategically, and planning excellently are good and right qualities, these same qualities can also tempt us to to “run ahead of God.” Instead of first inquiring of him, meditating on the Scriptures, and spending time in prayer do we first  get “our” minds racing toward answers? When we don’t know what to do are we faithful enough to believe that God will bring answers, just as he did for Jehoshaphat. Wisdom knows that wisdom comes from God.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

Though Wyndham is gifted with wisdom, he continually seeks it from God. I have numerous mental images of Wyndham stopping to pray, fast, and inquire of God. Some of his times seeking wisdom were while walking the power lines alone with God. Many were with the family, some were before (and during) appointments, and others in the midst of conflicts or dilemmas. One particular time stands out to me during a season when our church went through a time of discipline and repentance. Troubled times. There were many decisions to be made. I saw Wyndham’s attitude be like that of Jehoshaphat in the scripture above. He did not know what to do, but his eyes were on God.

Armed with his Bible and a song book, he asked our son-in-law, who is also in the ministry, to accompany him to a cabin for a couple of days. 

For big strategy planning? Amazing think tank and discussion time?

No.

The time was devoted to singing, praying, and reading the Bible. Praising God. Enjoying friendship with God. Inquiring of God. That was it. That was his plan for gaining wisdom and strength (and peace) to “go from there.”

I have often observed Wyndham go to God for wisdom, confident that God will give generously without finding fault.

Really, where else is there to go? All roads to wisdom lead us to Jesus. Our best laid plans are truly foolish if they are not first born from God’s wisdom. Wisdom knows where to find wisdom.

²⁰  Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
²¹  For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
²²  Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
²³  but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
²⁴  but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
²⁵  For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. (1 Corinthians 1:20-25)