"Sometimes while I'm talking to God, He'll show me something about myself in such a way that I have to laugh at my own humanity and how funny I must look to Him." - Donna

Donna...just found your blog...I absolutely love it! And I love your singing! I'm at work right now and it was just exactly what I needed to hear to help me make it through tonight! Thanks for your ministry here!
- Robert

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Tuesday, May 22, 2007

For the Graduates: Who You Know

“For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”- Proverbs 2:6 NIV

“It’s not what you know. It’s who you know.”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that expression. Each year in Spring, we celebrate many graduations from kindergarten to college. Many of these graduates head to the job market only to be disillusioned by the difficulty finding employment. Sooner or later, almost everyone I know has muttered the above expression followed by a long sigh.

I have to say my first job came as a result of knowing a district manager of a company. But I’m friends with many people who’ve managed to get great jobs without having any connections at all. I got my second job by being ambitious and a go-getter – or at least that’s what my boss told me.

You may get a job by knowing someone, but you can’t keep a job unless you have the knowledge to do the work.

We read in the Bible the Lord blessed Solomon with great wisdom and understanding. "God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.” (1 Kings 4:29 NIV) Can you imagine being that smart?

But there is one position where it only matters Who you know – your place in the kingdom of God. Solomon, with all his wisdom, recognized his need for God. In Proverbs 9:10 he wrote, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

And most importantly, it matters Who knows you! In I Corinthians 8:3, Paul wrote, “But the man who loves God is known by God.”

Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 NIV) Are you following Jesus? Do you know Him, and does He know YOU?

I’ve gone back to college. When I’m studying for exams after such a long hiatus from school, I sure wish I had a bit of Solomon’s wisdom and understanding!

Prayer:
Lord, I pray I listen to Your voice. My desire is to know You more, and to follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

*I first posted this devotional on 5-18-2005. This devotional also appears on Crossmap and Narrow Is the Path, where you can stop by to read and rate.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed your new devotional on "It's not what you know, but who you know." It works both ways...I've gotten jobs on my own, and I was also recommended for one, once. One thing I did learn from being recommended is that you still need to know what you're doing.

Thanks for sharing these Devotional stories. I'm truly enjoying them.

Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Keep the devotionals coming... they're really inspiring... just like being in Sunday School! :) James

Anonymous said...

I wanted to take a minute to let you know that I really liked your devotional and benefited from reading it. I think a lot of devotionals are trite or repetitious in terms of using worn out "Christian cliches", but I found this one you wrote for Tuesday June 8 to be insightful and fresh in perspective. It was a creative twist on a cliche about who you know and I think it will stick in my mind.

I wanted to take a minute to encourage you.

Keep up the good work!

Best Wishes,


Sharon Gibson
His mercies are new every morning.
Give thanks and Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Donna

I enjoy your devotionals. As a matter of fact, I got my first job because my mother worked there (who you know), my second because I made the effort, my third because I made it a point to be so persistent that the storeowner felt like he had to hire me to get me out of his hair. LOL.

Shari

"Goodbye Storm" May 2004 Wild Animal Baby

Anonymous said...

I prayerfully agree with you that may you follow after the Lord and may he bless your blog-your devotional thoughts-they are insightful and glorify Him

Anonymous said...

Donna, you DO have Godly wisdom (like Solomon) AND an ability to lead (like President Reagan). Furthermore, you balance these traits with true humility. These qualities come through in your devotional writings. I'm blessed by your ability to see God's hand all around you. Thank you for sharing. Ellen

Vicki said...

Hi Donna!

Just wanted to stop by with a hello and a hug, and say thanks for your good writing. Always enjoy your insights!

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