Daniel 2:23 “I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.”

God gives wisdom and He gives knowledge. Paul refers to these as “the word of wisdom” and “the word of knowledge” in 1 Corinthians 12:8. I wonder how many young people have prayed earnestly for these when confronted with a test in school! However, God does not give these to make us, or even let us be, lazy. As in the story of Daniel, these are given when God knows they are necessary to advance His purposes. However, we aren’t to get all hung up on “advanced knowledge.” That was a major problem in the 1st Century and following, and the whole “mind over matter” movement was called Gnosticism. Its remnants and descendants are still active today. Also, God’s wisdom and knowledge aren’t the same as simple information, which is an important distinction since we live in the Information Age. They aren’t things we get from a computer screen! The point is to walk in humility, knowing that circumstances are beyond our ability and asking and trusting God to supply whatever is necessary. As I already said, this isn’t being lazy, but actively seeking and obeying God, and giving Him the glory for the answers He provides.

I have experienced these (“word of wisdom”/”word of knowledge”) at times, sometimes to the consternation of others. Just yesterday I was talking to some people about counseling, and expressing how important these gifts are in that area, because merely human wisdom doesn’t really heal emotional wounds and scars. I am not to be cocky, but I am to walk in the assurance that God will provide the wisdom and knowledge necessary for any task He assigns to me. That means applying myself diligently to store up His Word in my mind and heart and seeking Him regularly and earnestly. I am not to ignore the information stream that comes at me via the Internet, but I am to ask and allow God to guide me in what I take in and how. I am to remember always that I’m not smart, He is, and rejoice to let Him be God.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the many beautiful things You did yesterday. Thank You for the privilege of being part of the Body of Christ, included in Your plans for Your glory. I pray that everyone in this church would open their hearts and their lives to You fully, allowing You to supply all they need and use them as You desire, so that all of Your plans for us individually and as a church may be fulfilled, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!