Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; Yea, with all thy getting get understanding. - Proverbs 4:7A relationship that was once good went bad. A business that had potential to grow prosperous failed. Health issues that arose unexpectedly and had you questioning why this was happening to you. Maybe a loved one who you were just hanging out with has suddenly passed on.
When these things happen we want to know why. In fact, we want all the answers right then and there.
But, even more than answers, we want relief. We want a cure for whatever is causing our pain.
You may have even prayed and meditated about it over and over again. Pleading with God to give you the reasons why your life seems to be going downhill.
You say, "I'm a good person who has always treated people with respect. I'm not perfect but I do my best to live right. Why am I going through this?"
You pray, wait, question, and even cry as you seek clarity.
What my experience has shown me is that I rarely get the answers I want right then and there.
There's usually a maturation process that has to take place for you to truly understand what's happening.
Rarely do our issues go away in an instant. It often takes a while for us to learn.
Your education canprove to be quite intensive with many lessons along the way.
Sometimes there needs to be a behavior change. Other times we must shift our thinking in order to really grasp what life is showing us.
And then, even after there has been a behavioral and mental adjustment, it just takes time.
If you're like me, you're probably a little impatient. But, I've found that time has made me wiser and a better decision-maker.
Just keep holding on to your faith. Know that that God is with you.
I know very few people (myself included) who are actually in a place in their lives that they thought they'd be a few years ago.
Our lives have gone in a direction that seems to be off course.
But, if you get anything out of this letter, get this: Wherever you are in life is where you're supposed to be.
Don't be sad about it. Don't fret over it. You took certain actions that got you to where you are and there were other actions you didn't take.
That's all in the past now, it is what it is, and you can't change it. Just continue to press forward knowing that things will improve.
The pieces of the puzzle will eventually come together. And one day you'll understand why things are the way they are.
Derek
Labels: faith, growth, wisdom
