Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the strong man boast of his strength, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:23
The Lord revealed this verse to me fairly early in my adult life. I found myself homeschooling my four young children, and feeling totally inadequate almost every day. I was attending a corporate dinner with my husband and was fortunate enough to be seated beside an older woman who was also a homeschool mom. I was delighted, because there weren’t many of us at that time. She ran down a description of each of her children and all the awards and accolades they had received. I was celebrating her successes along with her and was very impressed. But then I begin to listen to a voice I should have recognized, but did not at the time. I began to think, “what has your children been able to accomplish that is outstanding as this mother’s has?” I never factored in her children being much older than mine. I only felt I was a complete failure in a task I was giving my all to, and it wasn’t enough. I sat silently on the ride home, and I finally timidly confessed to the Lord the most outstanding thing I know is my children know You, and have a knowledge of Your Word, and are learning to hear Your voice, and journaling what they believe they are hearing from You every morning. Then I heard a voice I did recognize. It was my Father’s voice rescuing me from the lies of the accuser of the brethren. (Revelation 12:10)
He recalled to my remembrance Jeremiah 9:23. I looked it up when I got home. How I was comforted and assured through the truth of God’s Word of His approval of my labor!
As I reflect over my life knowing most of it has been lived at this point, I am still comforted by the words of Jeremiah. I still have not achieved a name with a lot of letters behind it for academic achievement from universities. However I do know I have achieved a wisdom that only comes from God Himself and His Word, and I do know how to apply it in my life.
Even though I have been athletic most of my life and have lots of awards I still can only boast in what I know is true. The Lord has been the source of my strength in each endeavor, as I have relied on Him. I know the truth of the scripture in 2 Corinthians 12:9:
But He said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weaknesses.”
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
As for riches I have not attained a lot of wealth according to the world’s standards, nor have I ever strived to by the grace of God. He gave me an understanding from a young age that the most valuable things in life cannot be purchased with money. As a result I feel I am one of the most wealthy people I know as I relish in His riches.
I am blessed in this stage of life to boast in exactly what He said I may:
“Let Him who boast, boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things declares the Lord.”
May we all evaluate our lives according to God’s standard, which is the only standard and approval that matters in the end. I ask you the question, “what are you seeking to know and understand above all else in your day to day life?” I thank God for the grace and mercy and guidance that He has so freely given me, and I know He will do the same for you. If only we would seek to know and understand the God who created us above all else. May our lives become filled with the things He delights in. When we make that choice we will have true wisdom, strength, and riches that have eternal value.
In His love.
Teresa Roberts
Masterpiece Fitness
276-237-6680
Marilyn Hanks and I relied on our Father for strength to complete our task in the Yveddi Meals on the Run 10K/5K in Dobson, NC yesterday morning. Marilyn placed 2nd in her age group, and I placed first in mine. We left with very grateful hearts on a very cold, windy morning.
