Key Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 3:6a – “a time to seek, and a time to lose;”

Devotional:

Parents are great at seeking wisdom and knowledge. It starts with the book, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Every parent I know ran out and got this book when they found out they were expecting a child. We hate surprises and so the more we can seek to understand what we have not experienced, the more we feel we are in control. Until the actual birth happens, and we realize we are actually in control of very little.

But, we don’t learn things easily. And we decide we can diagnose every ailment our child has with “Doctor Google.” We put in the symptoms and then declare, “Suzy has…..!” Again, seeking knowledge for the things we don’t understand.

There is a time to search for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. But we can’t find it in some self-help book. And, believe it or not, even Google can’t give us what we need. The knowledge, wisdom and understanding we need can only be found in the Lord through prayer and reading His word. Matthew 7:7-8 reminds us that we are to “Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks find and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

Sometimes, although we think the thing, we are asking God for is a good thing, in God’s plan, it is not what is best. There are some things that happen in this life that are beyond our control and understanding. I have walked through many situations with families, and I just don’t understand the why. Like the loss of a child or a child losing a parent very young in their life.

Although these are very hard things, having a firm foundation in my faith keeps me focused on the eternal truth, that God is in control and no schemes of the enemy can change that! Looking in the rearview mirror helps me to see how God was in control and used the hard thing for His glory. I pray that if you are in a season like this that you continue to keep your eyes focused on Him, and let God lead your way.

Questions for reflection:

• What is one thing in your life that you need to seek the Lord in?
• What is one thing in your life that you need to stop leaning on your own understanding?