If I Only Knew

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

I should have paid more attention in school.  When I was taking typing class (as in a typewriter) I wasn’t interested and I didn’t care how many words per minute I could type. I wasn’t great at Math either. Algebra? When on earth would I EVER use that or geometry for that matter. Here I am today pecking away at a keyboard to type this devotional. Here I am in a job that requires mathematical data, statistics and percentages. (I delegate – a lot) If only I knew that one day these skills would be my friend. At the time it was so useless.

So it is when we find ourselves in times of suffering. It doesn’t make sense. If there is a lesson to learn we either want to hurry up and learn just enough to pass the class or ignore it altogether. After all, when will we will ever need these lessons? Will I ever need these skills in the future?

“Before I became afflicted I went astray, But now I keep your word. You are good, and do good. Teach me Your statutes.” Psalm 119:67, 68

Our Teacher never gives a test for no reason. Even those unexpected “pop” quizzes are in His plan. He never assigns just the easy lessons but continues to challenge His students. It is worth our while to pay attention to our lessons. As we gain wisdom and skill we realize that our Teacher is good and what He teaches us is not useless but is invaluable.

“If we go through this school immersing ourselves in God’s Word, we develop real sensitivity of heart (verse70) and our eyes are open to see unthought-of-treasures in the Bible itself (verse 72). How remarkable that, with the Word of God, a sufferer can come through it all deeper, wiser, richer, more loving, and even happier.” Timothy Keller, The Songs of Jesus, page 312.

Perhaps, you are questioning the lesson God is bringing you to. Maybe in your opinion you can’t see any purpose in it. Don’t be so quick to skip your homework. Ask for extra help if needed. Stay after, in the quiet, just you and Jesus. What He is teaching us is of immense value that will be used and never wasted.

Art class. That’s where I preferred to be. I had great art teachers. Not easy teachers but teachers who stretched their students to learn more than just pencil on a paper. I learned all kinds of mediums and techniques. These lessons came easier to me. I rarely have time these days to practice what I learned. If only I knew that life wouldn’t be all about drawing, painting and sculpting……maybe when I retire? I hope so…I don’t want to waste my lessons.

Blessings, Kathy

Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Director of Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 30 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and teaches a Bible Study for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.

There’s still room – Call today for your ticket!