Developing a skill and enjoying the journey

TODAY'S BIBLE READING:

Isaiah 3:1–5:30 
2 Corinthians 11:1-15 
Psalm 53:1-6 
Proverbs 22:28-29

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Proverbs 22:29 (ESV) "Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Our Verse for Today provides a very promising principle. Skillful people typically are given greater opportunities.

(Remember, Proverbs is a book of general truths. They don't happen all of the time but they tend to happen most of the time. For a brief word on this, click here.)

So, how can we participate in the promising words found in our Verse for Today?

First, strive for skillfulness. 

How God wired you and what do you really like to do? If what you like to do can help others and bring glory to God, then develop that skill. Read about it. Learn from someone who knows more about it than you. Pray for God's blessings on this journey. Look for opportunities to practice the skill so that you can get better. Ask for feedback from others and then make the necessary adjustments.

Second, use that skill. 

Use it to bless others. If the Lord has blessed you with the ability to learn a skill, then use it for His glory and thank Him for it. Don't look to be recognized by others. Just use your skill to bless others and do it to the best of your ability.

Third, watch for 'open doors.' 

Generally, when someone is willing to use their skill to bless others, they begin to notice that God opens doors of opportunity for them to use that skill. As they pray for God's wisdom and then walk through some of those doors, they may notice that other opportunities (grander is scale) will become available.

Proverbs 22:29 (ESV) "Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men."

Finally, stay grateful and humble. 

Unfortunately, with our sinful hearts, we can easily turn God's blessings into a curse. We can turn a wonderful opportunity to use the skills God has helped us develop into an opportunity for our heads and hearts to swell with pride. Don't do it! If you remain humble before God, grateful for His blessings, and maintain a desire to serve others, God may continue to bless you with further opportunities.

2 Chronicles 16:9 (ESV) "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him..."