Richard needed just one more class to graduate from college.  He had completed everything but the dreaded Algebra l class.   He had passed the pre-algebra class, just barely, but he had passed it.  He had attempted to take Algebra l  twice over the past four years of college, but both times had failed.  Now it was the only class standing between him and graduation.

He showed up to class and sat in the front row, but the concepts just seemed to elude him.  A test was coming up and he needed to pass it so he called up his brothers five-year old daughter and asked her how to work the problems.  When he got off the phone with her he was more confused than ever.   His sister taught first grade at the local elementary school so he decided to show up for when she taught the first graders math class.  He felt a little out-of-place, but once again when it was over he was no more closer to understanding algebra than before.  Then he remembered that he had read somewhere that listening to classical musical enhanced math skills so he bought a classical music cd and listened to it for the next 48 hours straight while trying to work algebra problems.  Finally exhaustion and the music just put him to sleep.  When he awoke he found his room-mate staring at him.  “What is wrong with you listening to that music like that?”  Richard explained his problem, nearly in tears at the prospect of not passing algebra once again.  His room-mate offered this piece of advice.  “Just go see the teacher, he knows everything about algebra and can help you with the problems so you can pass the test.”

It was as if someone had reached over and switched the light on in Richards brain.  Of course, the teacher.  The next morning found Richard in the teacher’s office at 8am.  The teacher gladly spent the time to help Richard understand the math concepts and Richard went on to graduate from college.

Trying to learn algebra from a 1st grade math class or your five-year old niece is a lot like trying to control our own lives rather than letting God, our Creator and the Master Teacher, show us how to live.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.  Psalm 111:10

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  James 1:5

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.   James 3:17