Day: October 22, 2020

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

My husband and I are currently working to renovate and furnish a bed and breakfast in the area where we live. As I think about each of the rooms and various living spaces, I am spending much thought about ensuring that each room is furnished in a way that every need of our guest is provided for to the best of our ability. When we open Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast, our goal is to have spaces that are throughly furnished.

(Authors Note: Throughly: completely; thoroughly: in a complete manner.)

Looking back at 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we are told that all scripture is given so that everything we need, to do the good work that God has called us to is throughly furnished. Everything we need is completely furnished for us, there is not one thing missing.

“For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.” Deuteronomy 2:7

No matter what we face, no matter where life takes us, God has given us everything we need to face the wilderness. We lack for nothing. His Word guides us and directs us in the way we should go, providing us everything we need for the journey.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

Everything has been throughly furnished . . .

As a former classroom teacher, one of my continual concerns was to check for understanding. Were my students grasping what I was teaching? Did they have a good understanding of the concepts we were covering in class? Would they be able to take what they had learned and apply it to a real world situation?

Some days I see God working in my life checking for understanding. I often ask myself, “Am I understanding what God is trying to show me?, Am I able to apply what He is teaching me?” I know that following my own understanding of things will end up in a mess, but He promises to give understanding if I look to Him.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

There are days when I know I’m not yet seeing what He is guiding me toward; there are pieces that I do not yet understand. I have assurance in those times that if I continue to come into Him, He will give me understanding.

“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.” Psalm 119:73

Once He opens my eyes so that I can understand what He is speaking to my heart, then I am to follow Him applying what He is teaching me.

“Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.” Psalm 119:34-35

As I seek Him, as I continue to listen to His word and His instruction, the way before me becomes clear and I have assurance in the way that He is directing me.

“So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:2-6

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments : his praise endureth for ever.” Psalm 111:10

So it is that I can have a “Good Understanding” of the way ahead, if only I come before Him in full surrender as I embrace His commandments in every aspect of my life. I can begin to master the concepts He is teaching me, applying what I am learning from His Word.