Why are you asking? In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you…Solomon replied,…Give me now wisdom and knowledge…God answered Solomon, Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself…wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor…like none before or after you. (II Chronicles 1:7-12) There are times when my daughters come and ask me for things. Sometimes it is something small, such as going to a movie, while at other times it may be something large like, “Can I have a car” (both are about as expensive). Regardless of what they ask for, it is their heart and attitude, which have a direct influence on the reply. We find the same thing is true for Solomon. God came to Solomon and asked him what he wanted. Can you imagine, the very God who created the universe and owns everything, came to Solomon and asked, “What shall I give you?” While we may be limited by resources in what we could give, God has no limitations…He owns it all! One can only imagine how our minds would have raced through all the possibilities. Would we ask for riches, fame, or maybe it would be the ability to be a great athlete, speaker or writer? What would we ask for? As we read Solomon’s response, one could only hope that we would have the same answer. Solomon asked to have the wisdom and knowledge to lead God’s people. Wow…he asked for wisdom and knowledge. As we know, God answered Solomon’s request and he became known as the wisest man to ever live. We also see God gave him riches, possessions and honor like none before or after him. Why? While some might say that Solomon gained these things because of the wisdom and knowledge granted from God, it would seem more likely to go back to Solomon’s desire. Solomon wanted wisdom and knowledge to lead God’s people. It was the attitude of his heart that moved God to grant Solomon so many things. What God knew as he looked at Solomon’s heart was the fact that Solomon wanted to honor and glorify Him. Solomon asked God to grant him wisdom and knowledge not to attain wealth and honor but rather to lead God’s people. By leading God’s people wisely, Solomon knew it would bring honor and glory to God. By the way, this is the same purpose for which we were designed. We are designed to bring glory and honor to God in all that we say and do. If we are praying and not seeing answers, maybe the reason is because we are praying with the wrong hearts. Instead of praying for something that would bring God honor and glory, maybe we are praying for our benefit. Maybe the reason we do not see answers is not necessarily because of what we are praying for, as much as it is why we are praying for it. Are you praying for your benefit or for God’s honor and glory?
Posted on: Tue, 09 Jul 2013 11:11:06 +0000
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