How do you feel about trading your wisdom for faith?
I tried a little last week. The fact is, your wisdom, still works to certain extents when it comes to the outcome. You can, like me, pour through annual reports, SEC fillings, headache-inducing 138 pages of guidance between GAAP and IFRS in anticipation of the latest interview. But I did something different this week. I asked God to take over, to not land an offer because I did the above, to then take full credit for being 'so prepared'. Of late, I was wary of wanting to orchestrate situations and its outcomes solely by putting faith in my wisdom. I decided to exercise a rather irrational card- faith. I prayed that God gives me the right things to say, that I honour him in my answers.
I used to think someone will laugh at me for being simplistic if I just trump situations with the 'have faith' card. I thought it might even sounded mindless. Not that I do not prepare for interviews anymore, but I learn not depend on wisdom, but on God's goodness and sovereignty.
I must say the outcomes have been supernatural too. Such outcomes certainly feed my soul better than a proud pat on my back that my own wisdom has brought me across the circumstantial gamble.
I found a quote by Tozer that I noted in my journal a few years back.
“To believe actively that our Heavenly Father constantly spreads around us providential circumstances that work for our present good and our everlasting well-being brings to the soul a veritable benediction. Most of us go through life praying a little, planning a little, jockeying for position, hoping but never being quite certain of anything, and always secretly afraid that we will miss the way. This is a tragic waste of truth and never gives rest to the heart.
There is a better way. It is to repudiate our own wisdom and take instead the infinite wisdom of God. Our insistence upon seeing ahead is natural enough, but it is a real hindrance to our spiritual progress. God has charged Himself with full responsibility for our eternal happiness and stands ready to take over the management of our lives the moment we turn in faith to Him.” - Tozer
