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Quiet Time
by Kasia Kedzia
I want to be a wise woman when I grow up. Wise women know what to hold fast to and what to release, while foolish women hold on fast to what will kill them and release what would bring them life. Wise women hold on to the promises of God and let go of the things that poison or frustrate life.
Filtering the things I want which can kill me from the things I desire that will bring me life is not always so simple. In fact sometimes I can even dress up the things that can kill me in “spiritual” clothing, all along relying on my own wisdom. Saying or thinking that I can grow in my perseverance and grace by holding on to a bad job situation is an example of taking an unhealthy situation and dressing it up to seem “spiritual." In actuality God may be providing ways out. It's also foolish for me to hold on to unhealthy relationships rather then let them go. How I can help people in their walk with God, even if they do not seem to want to help themselves? I can create God driven reasons for why I should be in their life in order to see the results I want instead of God's plan.
I used to think that Godly wisdom was doing and/or saying the “right thing” but it is so much more than that. It is not that simple. Godly wisdom requires a lot more trust, patience, and increased faith. I am continually learning to release the things in my life which are not healthy; whether it be my old job, which I could have tried to hold on to prove something, or unhealthy friendships which do not help me draw closer to God. Letting go of things that are not healthy is seeking Godly wisdom.
Matt19:26 (the message) Jesus looked hard at them and said “No chance at all if you think you can pull, it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.”
Gen18:14 (the message) Is anything too hard for God?
Eph3:20 (the message) God can do anything, you know- far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!
If the scriptures above and many more like them are true, why would anyone ever try to rely on their own wisdom? I think it’s because we are all inherently dense. I know I am. I think it is o.k. though, as long as we realize it and fight for Godly wisdom and against our own. God has a destiny planned for me and I can want it right now; I use my own wisdom to get it because I think I know what that destiny is. But God continually calls me, and all of us, out through his wisdom to show us our destiny- usually it is nothing like we thought. I don’t know what that destiny is at the moment, I may not know it in months or even years, but I know that it’s out there. As long as I continue to seek His wisdom He will make it clear. Sometimes, I just need to get out of my own way, fight the fears that can drown out true wisdom, be patient in my career, relationships and walk with God. Sometimes I just have to listen a little harder.
Prov1:20 (NIV) Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares.
Rom12:18 (NIV)You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
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Since those first days, I have made it out of the Projects, finished my Masters degree in International Development, and moved to DC to work in my field. As a young single Christian woman my struggles today are a little different than they were when I first came to know God, but who am I kidding, not much. It's the every day battle for my heart to be pure before God, to strive to please him, and help others to seek and know Him.
Over my years of a faithful walk with God I have received much grace and compassion and have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams. Through out it all one thing has stayed consistent: God's word. Through His word I have been inspired and it has kept me faithful even when faith seemed like a foreign concept and God seemed deaf to my prayers. I started emailing my Quiet Times which helped me stay accountable as I shared my struggles and fought for understanding. Some wrote back and said they too were inspired and could relate. I hope some of my times can help inspire others who are seeking and fighting just like I am, to get to heaven and take as many as possible with me along the way.
Like what your read? Check out my blog: http://stronggirlforlife.wordpress.com/
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