(1 Kings 3:13) "And I have also given you what you have not asked . . .
Oh, those words we love to hear. “What do you want for Christmas this year?” Or, “What do you want for your birthday?” Kids will instantly rattle off their dream list. Adults usually have a list of wants but feel greedy if they respond too readily. So, we say something humbly like . . . “Oh don’t worry about me . . . I have everything I need.” That’s a noble thing to say but typically we do keep a mental register of our desires.
But imagine if you stumbled across a genie in a bottle who granted wishes. What would you ask for? (Silly notion, but just between you and me). Forgive me if I am inciting any degree of covetousness in you but what I am really doing is setting you up for a test of your heart. You see, Solomon was asked by the Lord what he wanted. Can you imagine? Ask anything? But as he really thought about it, he only asked for wisdom to rule the kingdom after his father David. That’s all he wanted. That’s all he asked for.
Was he apathetic? Passive? Where was that incentive and ambition you would expect from a young ruler? Why didn’t he ask more from God? Solomon just prayed for the essential thing he needed and left the rest up to God. And you know what? God gave him what he didn’t ask for . . . incomparable riches and honor.
As we ask God for the essentials we need (Mat 6:9-13) God will even give us what we haven’t asked for. And why is that? Because God is good. And he knows we are trusting Him to do with our lives what He thinks best. He provides our needs and even beyond that with His blessings, benefits, and bonuses. (Pro 10:22) No need to be greedy in life. He provides, and He prospers . . . His way. (2 Chr 26:3-5)
(James 1:17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Louie