What is Your Request?

In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, “Ask what I shall give thee”… “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

2 Chronicles 1:7, 10-12 KJV

I am enthralled at this conversation between the Almighty God and King Solomon. This is a very familiar story; even in children’s Sunday school classes.

Solomon was presented with a blank cheque and his choice really challenged me. He had assumed a new role, platform and responsibility as King. He did not come with a know-it-all attitude even though he had lived all his life in the palace. He must have learnt some basic lessons on leadership from his father; yet, he knew it was not an easy task to lead, govern or relate with people, much so, without the help of God.

When asked to make a request, even God was impressed at his choice. This was a blank cheque given him, yet, all he asked for was wisdom and knowledge from God. I am highly impressed and challenged at the same time. How beautiful would it be, if when we are assuming new roles, responsibilities, positions, status, situations of life; we ask God for wisdom! Often times, we are confronted with issues of life, presented and packaged to us in various ways. Managing relationships and responsibilities need lots of wisdom that comes from God. Asking for the wisdom of God, is actually asking for God Himself, to infill us with Himself! We sure need God to navigate life. As believers, we cannot relate on any platforms of life based on assumption or only self-made principles; we sure need God. Though Solomon had seen and learnt so much living in the palace, he yet needed the wisdom of God when he came on stage.

How beautiful would it be, if when we are assuming new roles, responsibilities, positions, status, situations of life; we ask God for wisdom!

Another important thing I saw is that Solomon put God first in his choice. The choice he made was for wisdom and knowledge that comes from God; rather than for other personal, selfish gains. He did not even ask for the life of his enemies. So, I realized that the modern-day prayers wishing the death and downfall of perceived enemies had been from ancient times. God, surely, has heard lots of selfish and ungodly requests that people place before Him and He was impressed that Solomon’s request was different. With this, He baptized Solomon with more blessings than he ever asked.

Today, like in ancient times, all manner of requests and wishes (even from believers and servants of God) barge the door at presence of God. We hear Minsters of the gospel pray against and wishing the extinction of the ministries or callings of other servants of God; we hear believers praying for the death of other peoples’ businesses or families… the list is endless. O! that ours may impress God, void of selfish motives and personal gratifications. (Note: it is not wrong to ask for personal things and needs. We sure need them. If Solomon had asked, God could still have given him; but his priorities were different). This shows that what is topmost in our requests reveal what our priorities are!

When we make our requests and choices with God in view, He turns around to bless us much more. Jesus said “seek ye first, the Kingdom of God…every other thing shall be added”(Matt 6:33). We sure need the wisdom of God, every step of the way, and on every issue of life; hence, we must ask for this, as much as we ask for other personal needs!

Beloved, let’s make God and His own wisdom, our priority! Let’s make our requests from God’s own perspectives. Are there steps you need to take? Are there issues you need to decide on? Let us seek the wisdom of God over the issues of life and over our responsibilities. When our requests, wishes and desires are not self-centered but God-honoring and glorifying, He settles all other matters for us.

May the Spirit of God help us make the right choices at all points as we advance in life. May we seek His ways at every stage and platforms of life. May you and I be baptized afresh, with the wisdom that comes from above. Amen!

© Funmi Adebayo