People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.

Proverbs 19:3 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.19.3.NLT

It’s time for confession. Have you ever blamed God for something that was clearly the result of your own foolishness? I don’t want to admit it, but I have. Dr. Henry Cloud, in a book titled Necessary Endings describes foolishness as the person who never takes responsibility for his/her own actions.

In earlier years, I took way too many risks financially in my personal life. I tried to bypass some of God’s good counsel about stewardship, money and time. It created a real mess. I asked God the classic question: “God why are You letting this happen to me and my family?” The reality was I had done most of the damage all on my own. God had actually protected me far beyond what I deserved.

What happened next was I embraced financial wisdom based on God’s Word. I examined the Bible, surrounded myself with good counsel, and began a long and thoughtful road of good stewardship. Dr. Cloud goes on to say that wisdom is found when a person takes responsibility for their actions, seeks corrective counsel, and acts upon it.

I am so grateful I turned from foolishness to wisdom. Instead of blaming God, I could now see His deep work in my life of protecting, leading and guiding.

Encouragement: If you are blaming God for something in your life, take a closer look and see if your own foolishness is part of the issue. Ask God to give you wisdom, surround yourself with good counsel, and see what the Bible has to say. Watch God work deeply in your life as you let go of foolishness and embrace wisdom.

Dear Father God,

Thank You so very much for not giving up on me, even when I was falsely blaming You. Thank You for helping me see my own foolishness and redirecting me to a life of wisdom. Your ways are freeing and beautiful. 

In Jesus name, Amen

-Ed McDowell, Executive Director
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center