If God were to tell you that you can ask for anything and that He would grant it to you, what would you ask of God? What would you want God to bless you with? Long life? health, wealth, fame? to bless and care for your loved ones? or power and influence to make a lasting difference in the world in which you live?
If you’re not familiar with this story, take a few minutes to read 2 Chronicles 1 where you’ll see King Solomon does not ask for any of these things. In fact, he asks for something that at first glance might leave you saying ‘Did he really just ask for that?’
WISDOM
Solomon wanted wisdom. Wisdom to do all that God had entrusted to his care. Solomon wanted to be faithful, and he realized that he would need wisdom to lead in ways that were honoring to God and beneficial for the people.
Out of all the things that Solomon could have asked, why did he ask for wisdom? Where did he get the idea to ask for wisdom? He’s a young man who could have asked for anything in the world - why wisdom?
SEEDS
Parents have the incredible opportunity to impact and influence their kids. Some parents sadly squander that opportunity; others make the most of it. King David, Solomon's father, did not waste the opportunity to influence and impact his son. For me, it’s not shocking that Solomon asked for wisdom because it’s the very thing that his father planted deep within his heart that he’d need most. He knew the road ahead for his son would be filled with challenges and tremendous responsibilities; thus, he’d need wisdom to navigate that path well. And so he planted those seeds in his son’s heart.
1 Chronicles 22:11-12 – “Now, my son, may the Lord be with you and give you success as you follow his directions in building the Temple of the Lord your God. And may the Lord give you wisdom and understanding, that you may obey the Law of the Lord your God as you rule over Israel.”
When it came time to ask God for anything, Solomon asked for what had been planted deep within his heart by his father. What children ask for (young or old) is not just a reflection of the child, it’s also a reflection of what their parents have planted deep within their hearts. King David told his son that he was asking God to grant him wisdom, so when it came to ask, he simply asked God to answer the prayers of his father.
If you are a parent, whether your child is young or old, what seeds are you planting deep within your child’s heart? When it comes time for your child to ask God for one thing, what might they ask for? If they asked God to simply answer the prayers of their parents, what might they receive from the Lord?
Parenting is not easy, but be encouraged to know that God delights in answering the prayers of moms and dads. So keep planting seeds deep within their hearts. And keep praying that the seeds you plant will in time will turn into prayers by your children being offered to God that He might answer your prayers for them.
