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The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD-- (Isaiah 11:2 NIV).
There are often times when we need deep insight and clear judgment in matters of life. One of those times took place while I was ministering in Africa. The evangelistic meetings took place amid great difficulty. We had previously made all the necessary preparations for the meetings. Yet, we encountered one difficulty after another.
Toward the end of the meetings, I learned that a dear friend and colleague had unexpectedly died. I was completely taken by surprise when I heard the shocking news. It was like the spiritual wind had been knocked out of me as I found myself praying, "Oh, God, what's going on?"
It's on such occasions that God reveals Himself to us as the "wise" and "understanding" One. We often "don't know," but He always knows. If we lack insight, we can rest assured that He holds all wisdom. In fact, when Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would come from the house of David, and that the Holy Spirit would rest upon the Him, he then described the Spirit of God as the "Spirit of wisdom and understanding."
Both of these titles for the Holy Spirit are very similar in nature, but also very different. Barnes, in his notes on the Bible, says, "The difference between the words here rendered wisdom and understanding is that the former denotes wisdom properly, and the latter, that judgment resulting from wisdom, by which we distinguish things, or decide on their character."
In other words, wisdom is insight into matters of life, and understanding is the judgment needed for living once we have the insight. God, the Holy Spirit, has both because He is both wise and understanding. James tells us, "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 NIV). God is willing to give wisdom and understanding liberally because to do so is to give of Himself.
It's often the confusing times that drive us to the knowledge of God as the One who is wise and understanding. A number of years ago, a man wrote a book titled, Don't Waste Your Sorrows. He had some excellent thoughts about suffering, and he encouraged believers to allow God to use suffering to make us more like Christ. In the same spirit, I would encourage you not to waste your confusing circumstances. Let it be that which motivates you to intimacy with God. When you lack understanding, cry out to the One who is Understanding. When you have no insight into a matter, then run into the arms of the One who is Wisdom.
As you seek Him, you will find wisdom and understanding. A successful Christian businessman once said to me, "I'm not smart enough to make the right investments, stay ahead of the competition, and make decisions that will bring success rather than failure. That's why I need to seek God everyday. I need Him. Without Him, I'd be an absolute failure."
That businessman understood the Source of all wisdom. He was a wise businessman because He knows and seeks the God who is wise and understanding. Ask God today for wisdom. He's promised to give it liberally.
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