The Gift of Wisdom
By Louise Miller
Southside London, United Kingdom
Scriptures:
- James 1:5
- James 3:13-18 (NLT)
- Proverbs 2:1-6
I made Jesus Lord of my life at the age of 16. I was blessed to marry a faithful and godly man young and have three amazing children by the time I was 32.
God's word captured my heart from the beginning. I love finding new insights about him. His wisdom is holy, unlimited, rich and trustworthy. His word is full of instructions to help you in every situation and stage of life and I trust it completely.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV
My husband Phil also became a disciple as a teenager at 15. He was baptised by his brother Brian and together they helped their older brother Bruce become a disciple. God has used Phil to impact many lives and by the grace of God he continues to do so.
When Phil started to struggle to say certain words at the end of 2020, we thought it was because he was exhausted. But his speech got worse. After many tests, our doctor referred Phil to the National Hospital for Neurology in London where he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease on 6th August 2021.
This didn’t feel good.
I was shocked and overwhelmed.
Why would God allow this to happen to us?
Hadn’t we been faithful?
Trusted Him? Sacrificed enough?
We were devastated, especially with the reality of the disease. Phil was so young at 52 and our three children were young adults. This had just changed all our lives.
I went through a roller coaster of emotions, questioning God's goodness.
I felt angry, anxious, and hopeless.
I prayed and cried out to my God.
“I don’t understand Lord! Why?
Help me understand. Help me to trust you.”
From left: Brothers Bruce, Brian, and Phil Miller
God heard my cry and helped me in His wisdom to find a study on the book of Habakkuk called Not According to Plan. Habakkuk had to wrestle with God's plan for His people. God had a plan, but Habakkuk didn’t like the plan. In fact, he was also shocked and overwhelmed. He didn’t understand and expressed concern. He wrestled but chose to remember who God was.
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLT
Habakkuk had to choose to trust God's plan. He didn’t understand it, yet he chose to still praise Him and put his strength in God.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Choosing to trust God's word when you can’t see the answer or are facing a situation that feels like a giant takes faith. Trusting that God knows what He is doing and that His ways are always good takes prayer and surrendering to His will.
Jesus is our great example. He entrusted himself to God’s plan and His wisdom.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
Ephesians 1:17 NIV
Choosing to seek God’s wisdom became a desperate thirst for me. I wanted knowledge of who God is. He is Sovereign. He is faithful. He is El Roi, the God who sees you. He’s our Rock, our shepherd who guides us. He is our comforter, provider, and so much more. His ways and thoughts are above ours. He is a good God.
Phil and I continue to put our trust in God and entrust each day into His hands. We daily seek Him and are learning to fear Him more with joy and gratitude. He holds our tomorrow’s and calls us not to worry.
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you actively trust God's word and wisdom?
- When things go wrong, what is the first thing you turn to?
- What do you need to surrender to embrace God's wisdom?
Today I will:
Choose to trust God in His great wisdom and hold onto His promises. Consider repeating the words of Mary in Luke 1:38 in your heart throughout the day: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
About the Author:
Louise Miller is from the Southside Region in London. She was baptised on 19th April 1990 in the Birmingham Church. Louise and her husband, Phil, have been married for 27 years and have three children.
Louise and Phil have led a bible talk in their home for many years. They also helped serve as Kingdom Kid coordinators for 10 years. Louise loves singing and connecting to God through worship. She continues to serve as a song leader.
13 Comments
Dec 16, 2024, 12:44:55 AM
Vivien Morha - My beloved sister Louise, be strong in the Lord and in His divine Power. He has called you my name, you belong to Him
Dec 13, 2024, 10:35:16 PM
Omobola Abolarinwa - Louise Miller, yes, our God is ever faithful even when all seems blurry. God is there with us. We thank God for his perfect and complete healing on Phil. And thank you for encouraging us to keep trusting in God's words and wisdom no matter the situation of life.
Dec 11, 2024, 3:46:16 AM
Ronnie Kavanagh - Many thanks Louise for that enlightening talk,because at this point in my walk I feel a little despondent for similar reasons like you had. A little encouragement can go a long way, and I have to realise God's ways are not our ways. So many thanks for your encouragement, God bless you and your family. Ronnie.
Dec 10, 2024, 4:07:53 PM
Silva Hove - So touched by you sharing this and so grateful to God that in His grace He he has guided you to this place of just resting in God’s wisdom and knowing and receiving that He is indeed sovereign no matter what we go through. Thank you for sharing and thank you for staying strong. In all of it God will indeed be glorified. My prayer is that you and Phill and the children will continue strong in the Lord and keep holding on despite the challenges. I also ask that God will envelope you in His arms and that you will know His love in real and tangible ways. You have blessed me by sharing but mostly but staying strong and still steering the course in the face of such challenges. Sending you and Phil loads of love
Dec 10, 2024, 2:51:48 PM
Jane Doyle - I loved your sharing Louise. Your example of faith, love and trust in God speaks volumes and is really inspiring. Love you my friend❤️
Dec 10, 2024, 11:43:24 AM
Esther Adoghe - Thank you for this piece of writing filled with priceless wisdom. It was forwarded to me at the right time when I felt tensed in my spirit over a situation that occurred recently. I knew I had to turn to God but the resistance in me was as a result of the flood of questions racing down my mind. “Will God fix this?” I’m inspired by your vulnerability which is a demonstration of your faith in God. Those reflection questions are much needed for a deep heart search.
Dec 10, 2024, 10:27:45 AM
Georgia Belfont - Louise, thank you for sharing your heart, your challenges and the victories of your deep trust in our Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Your trust and desire to obey God’s word through honest prayer is up lifting. I love your heart, your singing and your smile. May God’s love continue to bless you and Phil and the rest of the family.
Dec 10, 2024, 8:54:44 AM
Donna Williams - I have always loved your heart for God Louise. It has never changed from your youth, and through these enormous challenges like women of old you continue to demonstrate the genuiness of your love through digging deeper in Gods word in order to grow in your faith whilst remaining thankful and humble. This is so inspiring. Thank you
Dec 10, 2024, 8:46:53 AM
Dunni Poole - Oh what good times we had together as a family group with Phil bouncy and vibrant about 10 years ago! Thank you for sharing so vulnerably. It is amazing how both you and Phil have held on to God's faithfulness, it is inspiring and faith building to see you carry this cup. My prayer is that we'd all stay faithful to the end, trusting and depending on our God who is able to do immeasurably much more than we can think or imagine Eph 3:20. Hence, we will continue to look up, amen 🙏🏽
Dec 10, 2024, 7:02:55 AM
Neil & Ann Bradshaw - Thank you for this Louise. You wrote "I trust his word completely" - that is a wonderful statement of faith. Thank you for these reflections. I want to meditate on the 3 questions you ask. with love Neil & Ann
Dec 10, 2024, 6:09:34 AM
Jacquelyn Frimpong - Thank you for your impacting sharing Louise. This is a timeless piece for all disciples, as Jesus told us "Everyone will be salted with fire" Mark 9:49 NIV My husband Roger & I know & love you & Phil so much. We & the UK disciples are witnesses to your faithful submission to God's will in this most testing time. You inspire faith, humility & gratitude in us as you both continue to serve faithfully. May God richly reward you Ruth 2:12
Dec 10, 2024, 4:53:26 AM
JOANNA LAVOIE - Thank you, Louise; I am acknowledging the Lord daily in my life.
Dec 9, 2024, 9:55:15 PM
Brenda Hunter - Thank you, Louise, I am so grateful for your input and encouragement. It is exactly what I needed and I didn't know what to ask for. I pray that blessings and mercy abound in your life and family.