What Would You Ask from God?

In every family, in every community, and around the world people have needs. Some of those needs are so critical that they are hard to measure. Responsibility is rampant for those who take their position seriously. Especially, is this true of those in a position of leadership. Now, that leadership may be defined as in the family, in the community, or even world leaders.

Because our needs are usually so defined as personal, it is difficult to look outside of ourselves. We can be stymied by the burdens that we carry. Life can look very bleak. In fact, those in the depths of need find it difficult to relate to others who are also in need. Nevertheless, the responsibilities we carry are significant to those around us. How we affect their lives positively depends on our point of view when we look at our own needs versus the needs of others.

Sometimes God calls us to a mission unexpectedly. Sometimes he lays a new task on us that we might not even request from him. An example of that is found in Exodus 36 in which Bezalel and Oholiab with other men were anointed with the skills to construct the tabernacle. They did not know this by natural instinct or talent. God put within them the know-how to do the work.

Likewise, there is a more famous example found in 1 Kings  3 of a leader that needed wisdom. In chapter 2 King David died to be replaced by his son Solomon as King, but not before intrigue and treachery occurred requiring execution of traitors. Afterwards, in a dream God gave Solomon the opportunity to make a request. Because the king asked for wisdom to rule his people, God also gave him wealth, fame, and long life.

These examples offer us a very important lesson. In our service to God whether it be in the confines of the family or whether it be in a famous position, we need wisdom to serve effectively. We cannot assume upon our own intellect or talents that we will be able to succeed as a spouse, parent, community leader, church service advocate, or in a public environment. We must have the blessing of God to give us a special wisdom for which we should seek him. There are choices that we all need to make. It would be better and more effective if we made those choices under the influence of God’s wisdom.