The Lord gave me this awesome word for many of you who have been asking- Why does it seem like the most dedicated believers go through the most horrific tests and trials? I asked the Lord that same question, and He led me into a deep study of men and women in the bible who were called to high positions in the Kingdom, after they endured great seasons of testing. He began to show me the pattern of how He first proves us in the fire before He elevates us for our assignment. He brought me to the book of Genesis to the story of Joseph. He was favored by his father who gave him a coat of many colors. I believe this was a prophetic mantle the Lord placed on his life.
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 There is a difference between wisdom and knowledge. Knowledge puffs up (1 Cor. 8:1). It can make one proud and arrogant. But wisdom will make you humble and teachable. You can read extensively and accumulate a lot of knowledge, but still lack wisdom. You also don't become wise just by growing older and having more experience in life. Wisdom is not natural. It does not matter if you are young or old, experienced or inexperienced, highly educated or not. Wisdom comes by God's unmerited favor.
Fear. Perhaps there's no emotion more common to the human experience. Google it and you'll find a list of thousands of phobias ranging from "fear of rejection" to "fear of leaves." We've all felt it. And unfortunately, it's a stronghold that many battle every day. Fear defined is "a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something." It's often propagated through questions that tumble through our minds: "Will I get hurt by this person?" "Will God really provide this month?" "What if I fail in this venture?" Left unchecked, fear is debilitating and has the power to hold you back and keep you from the blessings and opportunities of God.