The Benefits of Asking for the Right Things
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” -1 Kings 3:5
This was a question that God asked Solomon. He basically showed up and offered to give Solomon whatever he wanted. How would you respond if God presented you with a "blank check" and gave you an opportunity to have whatever you wanted?
The response to that question says more about one's heart and values than almost anything else. With the prospect of being able to have anything he wanted, Solomon faced a great test from God.
Here was his answer:
1 Kings 3:8, And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. 9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours."
1 Kings 3:8, And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. 9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours."
Out of all the things he could have asked, Solomon asked for a wise and understanding heart to be able to better serve people.
I remember reading this Scripture many years ago as a young man and young minister. From that day until now, if anyone asks me what I want, I first ask for wisdom and understanding from God.
Notice how God responded to Solomon's request for wisdom and understanding:
1 Kings 3:10 The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, 12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. 13 And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.
We know the importance of trusting in God, but we also want the Lord to trust us. Solomon's unselfish request not only brought the wisdom and understanding he requested, it also brought great blessing upon his life.
God will trust unselfish people who are motivated by walking in wisdom, understanding, and serving others. It is the gateway to being a better servant and living in God ordained provision for your life....and that provision provides the means to serve.
Walk that way.....
