4.02.2009

Theological Thursday --- Desires of the Heart


Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. --- Psalm 37:4

Prior to going to seminary, my Bible study group in Pittsburgh did a study on King Solomon, and I reflected on the story of God promising anything to Solomon that he wanted --- and of all the riches, possessions, etc Solomon could have asked for, he instead asked (and received) wisdom. I knew if I were to go into ministry, I would need far more wisdom and problem solving skills than I possessed, so I began to pray daily (and still do to this day) for wisdom.

When I was in elementary school, we took an IQ test. I got a 116. For all people, 100 is considered "average" and 132 is considered "genius" --- so I was pretty far above average, but far from the top of the scale. In a room of 100 people, I would be above 75 of them, but below 25...just a face in the crowd as far as wisdom and intelligence are concerned.

As I began to pray for wisdom 5 years ago, as the days have gone by, I have noticeably seen God making things much clearer and my wisdom grow by leaps and bounds. IQ is supposed to be a "static" thing (meaning it doesn't change over your lifetime). It may fluctuate plus or minus 5 points, but for the most part should never change. During my counseling classes 2 years ago, we took and IQ test and I scored a 138. There is no explanation of how it could jump by 22 points, and I thought maybe it was a fluke and maybe I had just guessed some of the answers right.

Many of you may remember that I said I was taking the MENSA test --- which requires the 132 score or above and accepts only the top 2% of the population in IQ. I received a letter before vacation that I had passed the test! They didn't provide an exact score, only that it was above the 132 mark. I think it is an incredible testament to the power of God and how He works through our prayers and wants to give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 34:7) when they align with His will. Wisdom and IQ are not exactly the same, but they both have the components of discernment and knowledge. I have no doubt that God will use this to further His Kingdom in some way, and I am excited to see how it will all play out. God has used my life to take something that is supposedly statistically very unlikely (jumping by 22+ IQ points) and has made it happen for His Glory in mine (and Jen's) ministry for Him.

What are you praying for? What are your desires? Do they align with His? Most importantly...Jerry (Jen's dad), you better listen from now on when I say during the football game whether it is best to go for it, punt, go for 2, kick the FG, etc --- cause it will be the wise choice!

3 comments:

Jen said...

I'm relying on you for great wisdom when we are houseparents.

Jerry said...

I still have you, mine is 134 (from elementary school). Which really only means that one has the capability to perform at whatever level, not that one does! he he he
I was wise though, I married Janet!

kristine.shook said...

I benefited greatly from your wisdom as a classmate
and will continue to pray with you & Jen that God will keep giving it to you!