What Would You Ask For?

2 Chronicles 1:7
v7 In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.

If God appeared to you and asked you what you would like for him to give you, what would you say? Would you ask for money, a happy family, a husband, a wife, a house or new car? I have often wondered what I would ask for and I am still unsure. If the Lord appeared to me and asked me that question, I would find it impossible to give him an answer right away.

In 2 Chronicles 1: 7 - God asked the question to King Solomon and his answer was wisdom and knowledge. The scripture reads:
7In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.
8And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead.
9Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.
10Give 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?
11And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, 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:
12Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.

Solomon’s request was totally selfless. His sole reason for asking for wisdom and knowledge was so that he could govern God’s people in a way that would be just and pleasing to the Lord. Matthew 6:33 says: 33But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. God blesses us so that we can bless others. God also blesses us when our sole intention is to build his kingdom here on earth. Would you ask for a nice big mansion just so you alone could live in it? Or would you ask for that mansion so that you could use a portion of it to help house homeless women with children? God knows our hearts and our intentions and blesses us accordingly. By seeking God and contributing to his kingdom work first, you are putting aside your wants and needs. You have decided to not be selfish and to be focused on his word, his people and his commands. If you focus and seek the Lord, he will find favor in you and withhold nothing from you.

Because Solomon wanted to work for God’s kingdom he was blessed more than any king in history. God said that there would be no other man on earth to experience the riches that Solomon was given. He blessed Solomon in every way and Solomon was a blessing to others. Kings would come from all over to hear his wisdom. He was highly respected and regarded as a man of God.

Search in your heart for what you would want God to give you. We all have a role to fill in the body of Christ. What would help you fulfill your role to your best ability? Solomon knew that wisdom and knowledge would help him far more than riches, houses, horses etc. He knew what his role was and asked for the only thing that would truly help him be effective in his role and give glory to God. As you pour into the kingdom of God; so shall the Lord pour into your life. You will want for nothing and will be assured that you are contributing to his kingdom at your full potential. If you long to enter a ministry in your church that requires counseling, maybe you should ask for understanding and insight. If you have a heart for the homeless, maybe you should ask the for courage and intellect to start a program that helps to rehabilitate homeless people and find them jobs so that they can lead productive lives. Let us pray that we are selfless like Solomon in our requests to God.