Sometimes, we get what we DON’T ask for

First things first.

That phrase struck me this morning as I read 1 Kings 3. I always find this passage encouraging — and pretty amazing. As Solomon followed his father, David, to the throne of Israel, God posed a question to the new king.

“Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

Fame? Riches? A long life? A booming stereo system for his chariot? Solomon could have had ANYTHING.

He asked for wisdom.

“I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around,” Solomon said to God. “Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”

God honored his request.

Not only did God grant Solomon wisdom, but he also blessed him with what he DIDN’T ask to receive.

“I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! And I will also give you what you did not ask for — riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life!”

Noted scholar and author C.S. Lewis shared a principle to what Solomon taught us. He revealed it in a letter to a friend written in 1951. It’s still as powerful — maybe even more powerful — in these unique days.

“Put first things first and we get second things thrown in,” Lewis wrote. “Put second things first and we lose both first and second things.”

Do you realize we can have the same wisdom Solomon received? It says so in James 1:5.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Even when we’re not sure how to ask for it, God always knows what we need.

Deep down, I think we do, too.

It’s just not always first on our list.

(Tim Kolodziej is the creator of EnspireU.com and author of this piece. You can email him here.)