“Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you kin, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.” - 2 Chronicles 1:11-2 (NIV)
It is an interesting question for any of us, if given an opportunity before the Almighty, what we may ask. The natural man would ideally pick on the immediate objects of pleasure, power and glory. As the scripture shows when such an opportunity was given to one Solomon, he pleaded first for wisdom and knowledge, and thereafter was rewarded mightily.
Wisdom and knowledge is quite important because even where one has acquired anything of significance, without it, all is but fleeting. There is wisdom we need in handling our personal affairs. We need wisdom to run affairs in the market place. We need wisdom in handling community relations. In the absence of wisdom whatever decisions we make may not hold.
There is an interesting case where Absolom having rebelled from his father David was about to attack him, he sought advice from two eminent priests, Ahithophel and Hushai. After listening to both, “Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel. For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.” (2 Sam 17:14). What is key here is that where we base our decisions without first seeking the Lord, we are courting a dangerous path of futility.
This is why the scriptures point out, To find wisdom starts with knowing God. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as I start a new day, I ask for nothing but wisdom to guide me in all the decisions I am about to make, that glory goes to you, this I pray in Jesus's name!
Related upcoming events
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26/04/2024 - 27/04/2024 All day“The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145:13)
When Laban promised Jacob his daughter marriage, Rachel, only after working the land for seven years, Jacob got to work. He knew this was a done deal. But after faithfully doing his part, Laban changed goal posts. Reminded, “Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work” (Gen 29:26-27).
Instead of giving in, Jacob “worked for Laban another seven years” ( vv 29). For his trials, the Lord blessed Jacob mightily that in another tasty exchange he rebuked Laban, “You know how I have worked for you and how your livestock has fared under my care. The little you had before I came has increased greatly, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I have been” ( Gen 30:29-30).
Ultimately Jacob would have to live in hasty circumstances against Laban’s unwillingness to let go but by then he was mightily blessed ( Gen 31).
Just like Jacob, you too could have chanced upon a Laban. He has gone against the original terms of the deal. He has changed goal posts and won’t release the payment you are due. You are faced with a boss who keeps coming up with all crazy new directives, leaving you besides yourself.
But then there is a God of Jacob who knows all about your faithfulness. Persevere in faith. When the time comes God will release you from that bondage with far more than the enemy sought to steal from you, as that is what exactly happened to Jacob!
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, you who sees all my labors and travails, I pray for your blessings through all situations, this I pray in Jesus’ name
