1 Kings 3:5-10
5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 6 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. 7 “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. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 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?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.
When God asked Solomon to name one thing that he wanted, Solomon said that he wanted discernment (wisdom). He knew that in order to lead the Israelites, he would need discernment. God was pleased with Solomon’s request and gave him what he had asked for.
If we could ask God for one thing and be assured that we would be granted what we asked for, what would you ask for? Be careful! Think carefully! Once the request is granted, there are no take backs.
1 Kings 3:11-14
11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”
As a struggling single mom, it would be easy for me to ask for riches, a brand new car and a fancy house. I haven’t asked for those things. I do ask for guidance as I pursue my purpose. I ask for protection for myself and my kids. I ask for provision (our basic needs met). I ask for discernment. If I asked for riches, it would be to help other single moms. I would still live the same as I do now and I would use the rest to benefit other single mom families. There have definitely been times when I wanted the security of having a few more dollars in the bank. There have definitely been times when I have cried out in frustration for a brand new or near new car. As I have reflected on this question in my own life, I have to ask myself what would happen if I had the riches, the nice house and the brand new car. The answer? I would depend less on God. I would turn away from God in my comfort. Having a car that breaks down or needs tires replaced all the time keeps me dependent on God. Living in a house that is older and simple keeps me focused on the simplicity of following Jesus. Having a ton of money would allow me to help other single moms and would allow me to live more comfortably, but there is a danger in being self sufficient. We start to rely on ourselves more and rely on God less. I tell myself that I wouldn’t turn from God, but I already know that I like to try to control things. I like to have MY own way. I am a people pleaser. I like to get the accolades of a job well done. In my praise seeking I would forget that it is God that deserves the glory. Not me. If it wasn’t for God I would have and would be, nothing. If I was really comfortable would my relationship with God be the same. No. It is my dependence on God that builds my faith and my prayer life.
CHALLENGE:
I challenge you to reflect on the question: If I could ask God for anything, what would I ask for? Remember to be careful what you ask for! Is what you asking for going to bring you closer to God or separate you from God? Is what you are asking for in God’s will? Anything that will cause a disconnect between us and God is NOT worth it! God will give you what you want. He answers prayers every day for His people. Make sure that what you are asking for will bring glory to the Father. That is our #1 priority in this life.
Patti Burris 