Yesterday a memory popped up on Facebook from three years ago. It was something my sister had posted and I shared, and it was so good that when it popped up I had to share it again and so did she.

She wrote:

Opportunities are often missed because we are boasting when we should be listening to God.

Good Night 🌙 😏

Lately I’ve found myself bragging about the things I’m good at, even the things I don’t actually use on a regular basis or to the degree that I should. For example I’m pretty good writer. I get complimented and encouraged by professors a lot, but I’ve had trouble turning papers on time. A few days ago as I reflected a bit on my week I thought of Paul in 2 Cor. 12:9. "Boasting not in his strength, but instead in his weakness and the strength of God." In that moment I was so ashamed because I wasn’t trusting in God and his strength; I was trying to stand on my own. When this memory popped up yesterday I was reminded to listen before I speak and look to God before trying to find a solution myself.

And then this morning I received these verses in my devotionals:

Proverbs 9:10 (NIV): “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

James 4:17 (AMP): “So if any person knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin.”

Ps. 59:16 (TLV): “They wander around for food. If they are not full, they stay up all night.”

God gives us wisdom and understanding, His spirit guides us to do what is right, and His word satisfies our hunger. When we aren’t being fed by God, when we close our ears to Him and depend on ourselves, we’ll look to get fed everywhere else, but never be satisfied. If we let ourselves back down from doing what we know is right, then we ignore God's voice. And if we refuse to listen to God, how can we respond to life and people with wisdom and understanding?

My sister wrote: Opportunities are often missed because we are boasting when we should be listening to God.

Good Night 🌙 😏

And I want to listen.