Seeking wisdom from God is like water to a thirsty soul, because no one else can provide such guidance. Today, you may be in a situation or have been in the past where God’s guidance was essential. James 1:5If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.[1] As we truly seek the Lord and listen closely, He does something incredibly generous. Mark 4:24 Then Jesus added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. 25 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given.[2]
Since the stories Jesus was proclaiming were so important in what they teach and convey, He warned the people to pay close attention to His words. Those who heard Jesus’ words, understood them, and shared them with others would gain greater understanding and insight to teach others. Whether we are Bible scholars or beginners, our primary goal is to pass on what the Lord has taught us.
A friend was deeply moved and came to faith after a fellow truck driver shared the Gospel with him at a truck stop 1000 miles from home. From this one encounter with a believer in Jesus, his life was forever changed, affecting him and his family. The more we are willing to share, the more God promises to give us a deeper understanding. It is a gift that the Lord uses any of us to lead others to Him.
Deeper Understanding Deepens our Relationship
Listening to Jesus’ teachings and applying them can have a profoundly transformative effect on our lives. What I once believed was important no longer is, and what truly matters in life becomes clearer.
A friend came to faith later in life, and God changed him into a new person. Walking with God became a treasured experience, especially as he faced a serious health issue. In his weakness, God filled him with strength and gave him a deeper understanding of His sacrifice on the cross. While he wished he had started his relationship with Jesus earlier, he was grateful for what God had given him. As Jesus led him to the cross, his conversion so deeply affected his family that his children and grandchildren also came to know Jesus. I love it when Jesus enables us to serve as a bridge so others can come to faith and grow in understanding.
What About Those Who Don’t Listen
Jesus has stern words for those who don’t listen to his teaching and put them into practice. Mark 4:25But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. [3] God is full of grace, but when we turn away from Him, we sacrifice what He wants to do in and through us.
The good news is, we don’t have to ignore God if that’s what we have been doing! Today, you can start again, ask the Lord for forgiveness, and invite Him to help you put His Word into practice to transform your heart. To learn more about seeking wisdom from God, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/learning-from-parables
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.