Wisdom
9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor.[1]
Today I am starting a series on wisdom. It is difficult to be a disciple of the Risen Lord without wisdom, yet how many of us have asked for this vital gift? How many of us have sought wisdom during tribulation rather than escape from the tribulation?
We have a Monday night Bible study and we are starting a series on the book of James. Our discussion last night revolved around how we behave during times of suffering. Do we use the time to learn of God and grow closer to Him, or do we whine and complain about our lot in life? When we pray for those in the midst of trials do we pray for their escape, or do we pray that God would increase their wisdom, understanding and acceptance of where they are right now?
No one wants to suffer. But, we cannot live in this world and escape suffering. Solomon asked for wisdom in ruling God’s people and in answer to his prayer God gave him a wisdom that astounded all around him. We need to plead for wisdom, a supernatural understanding that will draw us closer to God and man, and will help to recreate us in God’s image.
One of our government officials said, “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.” Perhaps we should adopt that belief as well, and pray that God would allow us to learn from situations that cause us grief.
PRAYER: Father, you know our hearts. As much as we love you, none of us wants to be in trials. Yet, trials come. May we not waste one opportunity to learn of you and to be more like you. Help us to shift the focus off of ourselves, and onto you so that we can walk with you in wisdom and in peace. Amen
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