I Need Clarity!
Clarity is defined as the state or quality of being clear or transparent to the eye or understanding someone. It is interesting to know that wisdom is the principal thing according to the books of Proverbs. However, it does not end there; it goes on to read that we must simultaneously acquire understanding in all our receiving of wisdom.
In reading this scripture, I was coerced in my mind to consider what was being said to me. In pondering that thought, I concluded that wisdom is entirely different from understanding, quite obvious, right? Nonetheless, having wisdom about anything without an understanding of it creates confusion.
So, the question could be asked, what is the difference between wisdom and understanding in our quest to achieve clarity? Well, both are of necessity to make sound judgments and decisions. In its simplest form, wisdom is the knowledge to discern between right and wrong or good and evil. It enables us to decipher the fullness of confusing and perplexing areas of our lives? On the other hand, again in its concise form, understanding reveals how something works, operates, or functions.
Well, what does this have to do with clarity, you may ask? It has everything to do with clarity because none can function independently. The synergy of both will bring about the fullness, or as we would say, the bigger picture of situations.
As Christians, we are unclear about what is going on in our lives concerning troubling matters in most cases. In particular, those stubborn, persistent, and repetitious negative occurrences make absolutely no sense. An example of this would be you're faithful in paying your tithe and offerings. However, you've plunged more into debt than before your offertory commitment. Another example is that God made it clear that this is the man/woman you were supposed to marry. It has also been confirmed by faithful and sound people of God, but at present, it appears as if this person was assigned explicitly by Satan to drive you insane. What about that job you've prayed and fasted for, it finally came through, but you're treated on that job like something stuck at the bottom of someone's shoe. Maybe you were advised to sow a monetary seed to achieve favor from God in exchange for some sort of relief from your complex matters. However, none of that stopped it from being posted in the local daily for foreclosure because the funds weren't there to sustain it.
At this point, I think most of you would agree that it would be insane not to ask the question, "God are you playing a game with me"? Or "God, where are you in all of this." A more typical statement by Christians would be, GOD, I NEED CLARITY!
In the book of Jeremiah 29, Jeremiah, God's prophet, wrote a letter unto the elders, the priest, the prophets, and to all Israel Whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon. In this letter, he explained that God was allowing this to happen. Also, they should begin building houses, planting gardens, exchanging marriage vows, seeking the peace of that city, and praying to God that the city will have peace so that they would be at peace. To add insult to injury, God further declares through the writings of Jeremiah that they will inhabit that land for seventy years. Of course, anyone whose prophecies or dreams and visions were contrary to God was considered a false prophet.
I am confident before Jeremiah's letter, the people of Israel must have wondered how this could be. How could God allow a heathen nation, who don't even recognize him, to uproot his people from the land he's given them? Also, they are now under the leadership of a heathen king. At this point, we can conclude that they definitely needed clarity because it seemed as if God had forsaken them. So, in essence, they possessed the wisdom that they were being held captive by Babylon, but before the letter, they had no understanding, which, I am sure, brought them to the point of confusion.
Jeremiah's letter brought about that understanding to complement the wisdom they already possessed that gave clarity.
What am I saying to you, my readers? You possess the wisdom that is only a part of the whole. This wisdom has also dictated that you are in debt, your marriage is failing, your home and business foreclosure, etc. I am also aware that you're frustrated and ready to give up and walk away from it all. Consequently, it is a lack of understanding of why this is happening. It is also the result of the confused and distressed state. As an oracle of God, I am here to inform you that God is with you now more than ever, Psalms 46:1. Thus, you could be judging God foolishly based on wisdom alone and not the understanding from him to accompany it that will bring about clarity.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinth church, said, "For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when that which is perfect (complete or whole) comes, then that which is in part shall be done away with 1Corinthians 13:9-10. So it is evident in this scripture that the confusion to our problem is due to us prematurely judging the whole based on what is being presented to us, again producing confusion.
Please! Before I proceed any further, begin to ask God to forgive you for your miss judgments and the negative words you've said concerning your unclear situations. Now, ask him for the understanding needed to clarify your problem.
Back to Jeremiah's letter, Jeremiah said that after completing the seventy years in Babylon. Then God will visit them, perform his word towards them, and cause them to return to their land. God further states that he alone knows the thoughts he thinks towards us, and they are thoughts of peace and not evil, to give us an expected end. Thank you, JESUS; this is excellent news because it suggests amid my seemingly insurmountable troubles. Glory to the name of Jesus! THIS IS ONLY A PART OF GODS OVERALL PLAN FOR MY LIFE, WHICH MUST CONCLUDE IN PEACE, JOY, AND THE MANIFESTATION OF MY EXPECTATION OF HIM…
So, what is the reality of all of this? Well, the truth of all of this is your crying, frustration, mood swings, fasting, praying, complaining, murmuring, and coming in agreement with others for God to bring change, will not alter, delete or change the pre-assigned time by God to your trouble. Know that this testing of your faith is producing patience. But only in completing that patience will you become complete or be restored, James 1: 3-4. God is the God of divine purpose, and to every purpose, there is a time and season. We usually classify the original intent of something or someone as its purpose, and only time and season can unveil what God has purposed in and for us.
Do not allow the size of your problem to frustrate you, but instead, ask God to reveal to you the understanding to bring clarity and peace of mind while you endure the time and season of that trouble that will conclude in good for you. "For we know that ALL things (good and bad) are working in harmony for our good Romans 8:28.
Heavenly Father, thank you again for this word that brings comfort to your people. This is another piece of evidence that amplifies your sovereignty. I ask you now, in the name of your son Jesus Christ to impart patience and understanding to the wisdom of your people to bring about clarity during their challenges. Finally, Father, I pray for peace that passes all understanding in the matchless and mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
Written by: Kevin L. A Ewing
kevinlaewing.blogspot.com
kevinewing@coralwave.com