Devotion: God is increasing your wisdom
When I was younger, I was very gullible and naïve. At least that’s what my mother told me.
She still recalls, “Dianna, I used to pray for you so hard that God would increase your wisdom.”
Daily Cup family, I thank God for those prayers. They worked!
One day, I remember we were at home talking as we often did, when Mom stared at my face curiously. She told me I had been displaying “a lot more wisdom and understanding” lately, and she was “very happy about that.”
Of course I was not aware of my own naiveté and gullibility initially. I certainly didn’t know that many “wolves in sheep’s clothing” were lying in wait to take advantage of my overly-trusting nature.
Though my lack of awareness in the past has led to some hurt, still, I would not trade the experiences. What I have been through reinforces the truth that seeking God for His wisdom, guidance, and understanding is a must! None of us has the ability to effectively navigate life on our own. We all need His help.
Thankfully, somewhere along the way, a positive shift and turning point came in my life. I started following the instructions of James 1:5 NIV, which says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
I asked God to increase my wisdom, guide my decision-making, and sharpen my discernment. He continues to do it to this day.
Earlier today, I was reading about a man named Apollos in Acts 18:24-28. Before God refined him and made him into an effective mouthpiece for the Kingdom, Apollos was naïve to the truth.
Verse 24 tells us that this Jewish teacher of the law was very competent, eloquent, thorough, and well-versed in teaching scriptures. However, verse 25 explains, though he was boldly preaching in the synagogue, “… he knew only the baptism of John.”
Apollos needed to be taught scriptural evidence that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah. He didn’t know that.
You can’t communicate what you don’t know, right?
Friend, you can occupy a position you are unqualified for; but thank God that He qualifies the called. He increases the wisdom of those who love and seek truth.
“God is increasing your wisdom because He’s taking you to the next level! ”
One day, Apollos was preaching in Corinth when a Jewish Christian married couple, Aquila and Priscilla, heard him. They recognized Apollos’s charisma and potential. But these two good friends of the Apostle Paul were fully learned in the Gospel, and they knew Apollos needed some work.
Graciously, Aquila and Priscilla taught him. After they filled him up with wisdom from the scriptures, Apollos reemerged with the ability to teach the Gospel fully, accurately, powerfully, and convincingly.
Apollos shows us that it is so important to be a life-long learner, amen? We all have room to grow. Everyone needs to stay open to receiving insight, correction and assistance. Our humility and openness allows God to increase our wisdom, thereby increasing our effectiveness. The more you learn, the more you grow.
Verse 28 says, after Apollo’s wisdom was perfected, “He vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.”
Finally, by the grace of God, Apollos was completely equipped to win souls to Christ. And in this season, God wants to fully equip you to do, posses, and be all He has called you to.
This example the word of God gives us through the life of Apollos is encouraging. It is proof that God cares so much about you, He will send the help you need.
If, right now, you feel like you have gone as far as you can go with your current level of understanding, and something deep down in your soul is yearning to go to the next dimension, this word is for you. God has placed in you the desire to do more, greater, and better things for His glory. He is informing you through this devotion that He is increasing your wisdom for the purpose of enlarging your territory.
You’re about to go places you have never been; have what you’ve never had before; and do what man says is impossible. God is shining His light upon your face and illuminating your understanding. He’s building you up to take you up. He’s showing you how to grow beyond where you currently are and step into greater.
Are you ready?
He is about to send new information, connections, and opportunities into your life. He is making ways for you to break negative cycles and surpass what you thought were your limits. He is changing your perspective and giving you divine guidance that leads to breakthrough. He’s transitioning you out of the wilderness and into your place of promise.
As you continue to fill yourself up with the word of God, you will grow by leaps and bounds.
To help you continue your growth process, I’m stirring the first portion of 2 Peter 3:18 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, get excited about your season of increase. As He elevates your level of wisdom, everything in your life will go to a greater level, too.
Now let’s pray
God, I ask You for wisdom, guidance and understanding. I have progressed as far as I can, and I need Your help going higher. I praise You for Your grace and favor, and I decree that I will see increase in my life according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
