The Wisest Man Who Ever Lived

If you were told you could ask for anything you wanted and it would be granted, what would you ask for? My kids have thought long and hard about this “genie” question and think they’ve come up with the best answer…more wishes, so they could cover everything they actually want! But God isn’t a genie.

Solomon succeeded David as King over Israel, and the Lord visited him in a dream saying “ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon asked for wisdom and discernment to govern God’s people. God was pleased he didn’t ask for long life, or wealth or death of his enemies. These would be selfish and beneficial only to him. God answered his prayer for wisdom but lavishly added everything else too. Through Solomon’s response he was able to bring glory to God as everyone saw that Solomon “had wisdom from God.”

Today we each have a personal relationship with the Lord where we can ask Him for anything. Scripture says “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.” (Jas. 1:5). God wants us to come to Him as our source of wisdom, so we too can bring glory to Him. When our prayers turn away from personal gain and comfort and towards alignment with God’s mission for his church, His power and wisdom will be on display through us and He will be glorified.

Thought Point

How would you answer the question if God said to you “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”? What are you asking Him for right now?

Prayer Point

Ask God not only for wisdom but also for the courage to act on that wisdom.