What Would You Ask For?

Everyone knows the story of Aladdin, the genie, and the lamp and at some time in your life you have probably been asked what you would wish for if you were given three wishes. Would you choose good health, peace, happiness, fame, fortune? 

Well, God is not our "genie" and He certainly doesn't always give us what we ask for, but there was a man to whom God said "Ask what I shall give you." The story is found in 2 Chronicles 1: 7-13

"In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you."
Solomon said to God, "You have dealt with my father David with great lovingkindness, and have made me king in his place.
"Now, O LORD God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.
"Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?"
God said to Solomon, "Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you."
So Solomon went from the high place which was at Gibeon, from the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem, and he reigned over Israel."

Solomon was a man who sought to serve God faithfully, apparently his heart's desire was to be able to fulfill the calling to which he had been called, therefore he asked God to bless him with wisdom and knowledge for the task. His request was not selfish or self-serving and was indeed in accordance with God's will. Subsequently God chose to bless Solomon abundantly even in ways he had not requested.

I find it somewhat difficult to choose one thing to ask for if the question were posed to me. For sure I would love wisdom, but I would also love more faith, I definitely desire these so that I can teach my children to follow the Lord. I would love to see revival, an end to sin....ah yes, the list can go on. The good news is that God does answer prayer, and grants us many of the desires of our heart if we ask in faith, and according to His will.

How about you? How would you answer the question asked of Solomon? Please leave a comment, I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Be blessed.
Linda