Limited Understanding

The Holy Spirit holds back understanding until a disciple’s maturity can handle its ramifications. Too much information can confuse. Thus, through a tender process of gradual illumination, the Spirit of God shows sincere Jesus followers what they need to know and when they need to know it. This is why infant faith does not have the capacity to comprehend like seasoned faith. The Lord gives discernment to those He can trust.

For example, a 10 year old is not prepared to drive a car. Physically and emotionally they are not ready, nor have they practiced and applied their motor skills behind two tons of steel. It is deadly for them and others to give a pre-adolescent an automobile. Similarly, we are at the mercy of our Master Jesus, to give us what we need in His timing. We can sulk in impatience or we can serve in anticipation. But, preparation precedes illumination.

“I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.” 1 Corinthians 3:2

What lesson is the Lord trying to teach you? Is it grace in a relationship? Is it patience in dealing with a problem? Or, is it trust in Him over a circumstance out of your control? It is futile to move forward without first trusting Him and facing the difficulty. If you attempt to avoid the adversity, He will have a similar lesson for you to learn later. Jesus wants you to grow, and to trust Him before He gives you insight into the next opportunity.

Obedience and trust in Him today is the ticket to becoming more trustworthy to receive additional truth from the Holy Spirit tomorrow. Fear and impatience try to bypass faithfulness in the little things, but these are the bricks of belief that build a bold faith. Whatever you are facing, face it with faith in Jesus to give you just what you need now.

Lastly, look to the Lord’s example of lovingly leading others through a process of discovery. Bear with them, so they can bear the truth when it is appropriate for you to tell. Be a patient teacher in your relationships, by not overwhelming them with so much information and responsibility that they give up. The wise wait to share wisdom until another is ready to receive wisdom. Understanding comes to those who remain faithful.

“With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.” Mark 4:33

Prayer: Heavenly Father, what lesson do I need to learn before you show me the next step?

Related Readings: Psalm 85:13; Romans 8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; 1 John 2:27

Post/Tweet this today: We can sulk in impatience or we can serve in anticipation. #serve #patience

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