Ask and Obey

Wednesday, January 21, 2015


"behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you." 1 Kings 3:12 (ESV)

I'm "parked" in 1 Kings 3 because I'm preparing a devotional on wisdom. The word of God is so incredibly rich and it helps me beyond measure. I desperately need wisdom in my life right now. I don't know how in the world I can live without it. The more I read the Bible, the more I realize my deep need for Godly wisdom.

I'm not talking about wisdom for choosing an outfit for the day but wisdom for choosing right from wrong. The stuff I'm dealing with is more like:

• I clearly heard that comment. Should I get offended? Should I change the way I treat this person?
• Ouch, that was hurtful and I don't deserve that accusation. Should I internalize that stuff?
• Rejection keeps knocking me down. Do I quit or do I go on as planned?
• It feels that those against me are greater than those who are for me. Is this for real? 

Human wisdom can only help so much. God, who is infinite in wisdom, is the key to my every question. There are also other areas of life where my demand for wisdom never ceases such as marriage, parenting and health. I don't see how I can make progress in life without God's wise perspective.

I feel very much like a student. I just need to know and I am glad I have a Heavenly Father who gives wisdom liberally and generously (James 1:5). The story of Solomon is less about fame and fortune and more about a God who is so willing to give wisdom to you and I. It seems that all I need to do is ask and obey.