“The Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.” - 1 Kings 3:5-10
When given the chance to ask for anything in the world, the young King Solomon didn’t appear to hesitate, from what we’re told in the text anyway, in what he desired to have more than anything else.
Solomon referred to himself as a “little child” but this Hebrew term was not in reference to his age but in terms of someone who lacked experience in their profession. Solomon recognized the inadequacies he held of not having the experience of what to do in leading the people God had entrusted him to lead. More than anything else he could have asked for, his heart longed not just for knowledge but wisdom, to apply to each situation he faced…a discerning heart in order to lead others…to distinguish between what was right and wrong…discernment not to puff up with knowledge, but to take action. To lead.
In the same way, should we desire to do what God has entrusted us to do, we need His wisdom. His discernment. His love. Each to work through us, in order for us to do it well. Apart from God, we cannot fulfill our purpose on earth. We are incapable ourselves to do it. God has to remain at the center of it all.
It’s great news that Jesus’ brother James, tells us ,“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
If you could pray for anything, and know God would grant you with that request...what would it be? Would it be something that greatly impacts the way you take action and lead? Would it be something that helps you value those around you who God has entrusted you to love and influence?
What would you want?
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