Devo, John

Wisdom Is Trust Now With Understanding That Comes Later

Wisdom Is Trust Now With Understanding That Comes Later

GET THE STUDY JOURNAL
2023 FALL MEN'S RETREAT

Remember to post your First and Last Name along with your City and State to win a pre-ordered and signed copy of the following:

Proverbs: A Strong Man Is Wise.

“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” — John 16:16-18

In a cryptic moment, Jesus declares, "Soon you won't see me, but soon after, you'll see me again."

I understand what Jesus means by this because I already know what is going to happen to Jesus just moments from now. He will be arrested, killed, buried, and risen again. But these guys don't know that. They have no idea. This thought hasn't even crossed their minds. It's contrary to everything they assumed about the Savior. Therefore, his statement is a little confusing and irritating to them.

But after his resurrection, they would understand it all, as John makes clear here.

You know, Homer once said,

"After the event, even a fool is wise."

I think our spiritual journeys are just like this. We, like children, start off foolish and immature. Initially, we're confused by God's truth, ways, and reasoning. But as we get to know them through real-life experiences, we begin to see the wisdom of God. Everything gets clearer. We gain richer insight into what God was trying to tell us. Like a child, we mature, moving from foolish to wise.

Our spiritual lives are replete with experiences just like this. Each phase and stage has something new to teach us about God's unfailing Scripture and the attributes of God's character. But we only understand them after we've been through them with God. It's through them that we see his sovereignty. And this is part of the mysterious, frustrating, and adventurous journey with God. But we must be willing to walk through the confusion, trusting his unfailing Word, until we get to the clarity that transforms us from young fools to wise believers.

Here's today's challenge: Trust in God and his Word in the middle of the confusion. Preach to your thoughts and emotions God's unfailing truth. Because if Jesus knows what's going to happen to him before it happens, then he knows what's going to happen to you too. And you need to know that God's truth works even when we don't fully get it. We learn in this text from these men that if you trust in Jesus and what he says, then the understanding you need may come later.

ASK THIS:

  1. Have you ever found yourself puzzled by God's plan, only to realize His wisdom later on? Reflect on a time when confusion turned into clarity, and how that experience has shaped your trust in God's unfailing Word.
  2. What specific step can you take today to trust in God and His Scripture, even when His ways seem unclear? How can you preach His truth to yourself and others, trusting that the understanding you seek may come later, just as it did for the disciples?

DO THIS: Trust now, preach truth to yourself, and understanding will come later.

PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, guide me through the confusion and into Your clarity, trusting that Your unfailing Word will transform me from foolish to wise. Help me to walk with You, embracing the mysterious and adventurous journey with You, knowing that Your truth works even when I don't fully understand it. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Trust In You.

SIGN UP — THE DAILY DEVO
short + biblical + practical
Read through the Bible daily with Vince Miller.

75 thoughts on “Wisdom Is Trust Now With Understanding That Comes Later”

  8. Josh Kuenzi says:

    Wise words as we are in a transition moving our family and business and our other property has not sold yet. Definitely not how we thought it would go. God has a plan in it and He has not and will not fail us!

    Reply
  11. Eddie Ackerman says:

    Eddie Ackerman
    Becker, MN

    Many times in my life I have looked back and seen how God’s timing worked out better than my plans ever could.

    Reply
  19. gonzalo correa says:

    Great devo brother Vince.

    The devo, question, and song choice!!! Wow
    Several years back… In one week…
    Monday – lost my job
    Thursday – the little girl I helped raised as my own decided she did not want to live with me and at that time rejected my love and parenting and was taken by social worker.
    Friday – my previous wife decided she was done with me as well, filed for divorce.

    In all this I looked up and said; “God, you give and take away… you must have something really good waiting for me.” I did not understood His wisdom, and I still don’t, but I RUN to Him all the time. Even when He is going to give me a “righteous laying of the hand”… bottom line, I always TRUST IN HIM!

    Reply
    • Edward Jackman says:

      Amen brother. Stay strong and continue to lean into Him and His understanding. Praying for you.

      Reply
  26. Dennis James says:

    This devotional hit hard today. The song even harder, when HE doesn’t part the waters I need to walk through, I need to trust in HIM. As I am going through this valley and experiencing HEAVY spiritual warfare, this devotional is very timely. Thank you Brother Vince.

    Reply
  29. Mark Becker says:

    Worland WY

    Daily devo with Vince has opened my eyes in so many ways🙌🙌
    Thank you Vince🙏🙏

    Reply
  30. Ruben T. Garcia, Sr says:

    Thanks for your teaching each day. Truly appreciate your service to our LORD.
    Ruben T. Garcia Sr.
    Gresham, Oregon

    Reply
  34. Duane McPheeters says:

    Your a blessing. Duane
    Bought 3 Proverbs study. 1 I will send to Kent in Indiana. I’m also showing your Devo study books to men’s ministry leader at my new Church. I’m now on the leadership team. Thank You

    Reply
  42. Flavio Velez, San Diego CA says:

    Vince, thank you for these daily devotionals. They are the first thing I read every morning, and feel better prepared for the day ahead once I complete it. I am in San Diego and would love to receive one of the Proverbs journals.

    Reply
  56. David Montgomery says:

    Hi Vince,
    I listen to your devotionals every morning. I have told several friends, and now they listen too. Thank you for speaking to men about how to have a closer walk with God and to be a positive influence to a lost and hurting world. God Bless you Brother! I am from Orlando, FL.

    Reply
  58. Brad Plumlee says:

    Vince, thank you for the work you are doing. We do need to yet often neglect to meditate on God’s Word daily. It’s amazing how many times an aha moment will happen as you read over and over again.

    Brad Plumlee
    Gallatin TN

    Reply
  66. Peter Field says:

    Hey Vince
    I look forward to hearing you each morning as soon as I get up and make my tea. Your devotions have done wonders for my spiritual growth. Thanks.
    Pete

    Reply
  67. Howard Williams says:

    Proverbs devotional request.
    I listen to Vince daily. Thank you.
    1227 Lyndon Lane
    Radcliff KY

    Reply
  70. Tim Szauter says:

    This is Tim Szauter, I listen to you each morning. Love to get your book on Proverbs. Thanks Vince from Barrie, Ontario, Canada!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *