God Knows

"Experience gives us testimony."

EVERYONE IS SPEAKING. No one is listening. Or they’re hearing only what they can criticize. Great men of God are churning out apostles-in-training, learners, sent ones, to “go ye into all the world” and speak Jesus. I’m all for this. But wisdom, I’ve found, is heard from those who’ve experienced it. It comes with aging. Education gives us knowledge; experience gives us testimony. Testimony only speaks from those who’ve walked through the valley, in one side and out the other, and have seen Jesus, felt Jesus. We’re all good with singing songs about the flames trying us. Most people haven’t seen more than a spark, though, or a handful of kindling, something you can put out or back away from. To see the fire in the eyes of survivors, to know their scars came from winning during times of loss, says volumes that the words of practiced voices cannot give. I speak of the older generation, but I speak of any who have battled and survived. These should be our examples to the young, and we should press upon them, put into their thinking that one never truly knows enough. We’re never higher than another man or tougher or harder, that we cannot surrender ourselves and learn. Learning is for our lifetime, and I’m pretty sure for eternity. This world is seen through a looking glass which will one day be replaced by a clear view. We will see Jesus as He is and learn things we never suspected. Or should have. All men have a story. All people have ears to hear them. In hearing is mercy, in hearing is honor, in hearing we find faith. Hearing gives us trust in the speaker. This applies to the message of truth in God, but also to people. For the devil will stumble over his words eventually; he continually grasps at straws. But we are made like Christ.

“We conclude that faith is awakened by the message, and the message that awakens it comes through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17 NEB)

We are like Him in flesh. His body was created before the foundation of the world, and we are made in that image. We are like Him supernaturally. He is spirit, and God must be worshipped in spirit (John 4:24); we are spirit beings filled with the life of God. We walk in the ways of God, in the manner God walks, showing forth God’s character, preferring His methods of working, using His words. He shows us how to be human, what humans are capable of when God is with them and in them. We show others who God is by listening, by caring. Scroll social media and the church has become a network of consultants, clothing experts, electronics gurus. Oh at its heart, there are some wonderful people. I know so many who are just lovely and adore their work in the church. But when I watch walking preachers like Todd White, I’m convicted. I know of no one more dedicated to spreading Jesus wherever he is. And then there are missionaries, as well. Our missions’ achievements are typically for a few days each year, but these others are dedicated to nations, not theirs.

We preach missions. We criticize people. Which is correct?

The heart cannot be seen in the physical appearance. We can make guesses based on facial expressions, but only God knows what each man or women’s intent is, and we learn only by sitting down and taking the time to hear. We focus on teaching the young, and this must be done. They must learn Jesus’ love for them and how to walk in it. But for the infant to be held by a grandparent is the completion of their life’s gift. I am the product of mine on my father’s and my mother’s sides. I intend to be the voice to my daughter’s family, should she, one day, have one. Until then, there are those ahead of me, who’ve lived and have a word to say. God has given them something we musts know about living, about death. I have such a love for them, and it strips off all the annoyances that would have me walk around them, and instead, I find such patience.

In this, think of Him who waited thousands of years to inhabit His body, thousands of years to make a change in all of the world’s peace in living just thirty-three and a third, and see now those who surrounded Him, who’d seen plenty, those who He listened to. Beginning with His mother, Mary, and His father, Joseph. Here’s a man who gave up His career to protect an infant, not physically His, and yet in God’s eyes, He was. Because Joseph took upon Him, the love and care of a father to the point he left behind Jewish culture to make ends meet amongst people who didn’t know Him or even speak His language.

“And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.” (Matthew 2:15)

Slow down your pace, take time to hear what these have to say, and don’t judge so quickly because you feel rushed or can’t identify with them. I’ve done this then learned she survived cancer and that’s why she is how she is today. I judged too quickly when I am who I am because Jesus spoke to me in my darkest hour and made me a promise that He would fulfill all the dreams in my heart, far beyond what I could ever expect. I write these words, and you can read them. Here is my communication. But others must be sought out or paused with. It is worth it.

“We admire the young for their strength and beauty, but the dignity of the old is their wisdom.” (Proverbs 20:29 TPT)

“The crowds were stunned and in awe after listening to Jesus speak, because he taught clear truths that made sense—like a person who understood the reality of the universe—and not the confusing ideas taught by the religious leaders and lawyers.” (Matthew 7:28-29, Remedy)


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Suzanne D. Williams, Author
www.suzannedwilliams.com
www.feelgoodromance.com