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In the country of Taiwan, Jim and I were blessed to experience the Bible come alive. For years I had been reading Proverbs each day…which means for years I had been reading Proverbs 8:34, “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” Several days after arriving our sponsor arranged for us and our two preteen daughters to go to a local university to sit and converse with students who were learning English.
There was just one catch. These English lessons were open to anyone and everyone. Those who came did not have to be enrolled as students in the university.
At 5:30 a.m. we went into shock as we neared the gated walls of the university. Thousands of people were crammed around the school’s gates that would open at 6:00 a.m. for free English lessons. It was actually a little scary as we were escorted through the crowd and led to a special door by guards so we could set up for the lessons by six o’clock.
Truly, I was seeing a Bible verse come alive. This scene and experience was a living illustration for me. It showed what it means to value and crave wisdom. To watch daily at Wisdom’s gates and to wait at her doorposts and to listen attentively. These dear people desired to learn English so badly they put it as the first thing of the day. So they rose in the dark and journeyed to a location. They hoped to be among the limited number before the cutoff was reached. To be there before the gates closed.
This is how we should approach each day—rising early, making any and every sacrifice to read God’s Word. To listen to His wisdom, to watch and wait eagerly for every word that proceeds out of His mouth.
This practice of eagerly listening to the Word of God is essential to cultivate the fruit of joy in the Lord in our daily walk with God. Offer a sacrifice of praise to God continually—even when you don’t feel like it (Hebrews 13:15). Through the power of the Holy Spirit, this act of seeking wisdom with thanksgiving transforms our prayers into praise.
Give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Whatever is happening—good or bad—give thanks to God for His sovereignty, His perfect timing, His perfect plan, and His unconditional love.
Bless the Lord at all times (Psalm 34:1). Offer unceasingly the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). The Spirit can—and will—use your praise to touch you with God’s joy.
Focus on the reality of God’s promises. Every time you open your Bible, read and look for powerful promises that can change your outlook to one of joy, as you seek wisdom.
Lord, thank you for the gift of Your Word and for the wisdom that we find in knowing Your Son. Amen.
In “Relying on the Power of the Holy Spirit”, Elizabeth George writes about incredible examples of God's Spirit at work in the lives of His people from the New Testament book of Acts.
How can I spend more time in the pursuit of wisdom?
Make every sacrifice to spend time in God’s Word.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
How did men and women in the Bible accomplish great things for God? There wasn’t any secret formula or bestselling book on success for them. In fact, they were ordinary people like you and me. What made them effective was their willingness to obey God—one decision at a time.
