T o d a y G o d i s a s k i n g C h r i s t i a n s t h e s a m e q u e s t i o n.
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" Luke 11:9-10;13"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5
God's will is that we love and serve Him and others before ourselves.
"And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us." 1 John 5:14
"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." James 4:3
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." 1 John 3:22
In studying these verses we realize that God has promised to give under the condition that we ask according to His will--> to glorify Him more completely. God alone knows what will honor Him more. He also discerns what is foremost according to each individual.
When Solomon replied to God's offer, he replied not only humbly but also confidently. In doing so, he expressed faith in God.
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." James 1:6-7
Lest these gifts be squandered, we should not expect gifts from God if we are pridefully trusting in ourselves. Many people are found miserable and discouraged in life because they are expecting things instead of serving God. Without God people are nothing. Godless people are very unrewarding-- and in serving yourself you will identify that this is true. The only people on earth that are satisfying are these that have God in the mist of their life.
"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19What do you desire now? It may be something spiritual, physical, or perhaps material. What responsibility has God placed in your life that you could improve for His Name? Widen your vision of God. Let your mind grasp first of all that He desires to give to you. Secondly, believe that He can perform. Live by His promises and not by your expectations. And most importantly, thank Him in all you do-- assured that there is no greater title than a Christian of His praise.
Remember, God not only gave Solomon wisdom, but also riches and honor-- and a long life if he obeyed God.
"...lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee." 1 Kings 3:12
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"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21