Why Learn The Hard Way

How have most of the good things that have happened to you been woven into your life?

Did you learn them through your own experience? Or maybe from someone else? Did you read it somewhere?

Let’s be honest—experience is not the best teacher. Do we really have enough life left to learn everything through trial and error?

Live, mess up, try again, fail again... repeat. How many times can we afford to do that? It’s not only exhausting—it’s foolish.

Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, once said:

“Fools think they are doing right, but the wise listen to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15 NCV)

I truly believe the fastest way to learn isn’t by living through every mistake ourselves. It’s by reading truth, and listening to Godly, wise counsel.

If we just “follow our hearts,” well—Scripture says:

“The heart is wicked above all things. Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) Our hearts lie. Our sinful desires mislead us.

But God's Word never does. When we pray and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom—when we listen to godly advice, dig into Scripture, and follow the truth—it’s like taking the shortcut to success, to peace, and even happiness.

Put simply:

“Depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3 NCV)

Why would we, the created, ignore the Creator?

Why would we ever try to navigate life without the help of the Holy Spirit—who’s been around forever and knows everything? Why trust our own limited wisdom over God’s unlimited truth?

Why ignore the Bible, the best instruction manual for life, or refuse the wisdom of seasoned believers, many of whom have poured their insights into books and messages, available for free?

“The Lord decides what a person will do; no one understands what his life is all about.” (Proverbs 20:24 NCV)

We either believe His Word, or we don’t. And here’s the bottom line: If we do what God says, we’re blessed. It really is that simple.

So if you’re struggling, ask yourself: Am I listening to God? Am I following His ways, or just doing what feels right?

The beauty of following God is simple—He’s always right. His ways are always best. He knows it all—your past, your present, your future. And here’s the mind-blowing part: He’s in control of it all.

What a God to trust. What a God to follow. Wow.

GOD, please give us eyes to see Your ways. Give us ears to hear Your wisdom. Holy Spirit, lead us and help us to follow you. IJNIP amen. ♥️