Isaac has started a new unit in his Maths today called Order of Operations. When combining the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, a particular order needs to be followed. Multiplication and division sit higher in the order than addition and subtraction, affecting how you make sense of simple mathematical problems put into words.
The order of operation as to how you do a maths problem is essential to solving it correctly. If you use the incorrect order, it will inevitably be wrong because the process and order we use to solve it are crucial.
Whether we like it or not, life is full of the order of operations. When we try to skip a step, endeavour to avoid putting the work in or choose not to deal with challenges and issues adequately, we won’t see the results or experience the fulfilment in life that we could. There is purpose in having order and how we face situations, solve problems, develop as individuals and seek to achieve our goals.
There is a saying, “don’t put the cart before the horse”. It’s an analogy for doing things in the wrong order because a cart is a vehicle that a horse ordinarily pulls and not the other way around.
Much as Isaac won’t be able to successfully answer his maths problems unless he takes the time to learn the order and formula, God also has a way to do things successfully and with the best outcomes. It pays to assess what’s in front of us, seek wisdom, and find the correct strategy for what we aim to undertake.
Isaac didn’t understand the formula, so he stopped, asked for guidance and sought my counsel, which is precisely what God says to do when we faced with new things or a problem that needs solving
A helpful Order of Operations is:
Stop and assess – don’t run ahead before you know what you are undertaking. “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28)
2. Seek wisdom and guidance as to the process – Pray and seek God and His Word for the best way forward
“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Prov 2:6)
“If you ask for wisdom, God will give it generously without finding fault: “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)
3.Ask for counsel when necessary for there is wisdom in counsel “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.” (Proverbs 15:22)
4. Step out and do it – once we know the process and order of operation, it’s time to trust and step out. When you seek after and follow God’s leading, He will be there to help and to guide you every step of the way.
There is a purpose in the process and a specific way and order of operations in life. Proceed in the right order, follow the way of wisdom, acknowledge God in all your ways and trust that He will cause you to succeed in all you do.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Prov 3:5-6 NIV)
Prayer: Lord, help me follow your way of doing things and not run ahead of the process and order of what will bring the best results in my life. I trust you to lead me and choose to listen to wise counsel regarding how to move forward today. In Jesus name Amen.
Comments