GIVEN THREE WISHES

STOP! This is not what you think. My message is not about astrology, nor divinations, not at all. It is a message that comes directly from the gospel and is suitable for this week, because it is National Prayer Week. But first let me ask you: What would you do if you found a genie in a bottle and were given three wishes? I’m sure you’re thinking by now what your answer would be. Would it be materialistic things, such as: a big home, brand new car, a trip anywhere in the world, and the list is endless. It sounds ambitious and selfish doesn’t it? But the truth is we don’t need a genie to fulfill our needs – we have a sovereign God who controls everything. He dresses the lilies of the fields, He feeds the birds from the air; he gives us rain to produce crops; he gives us the sun to give us warmth; and again the list is endless.
This is the God who provides opportunities for us when we are in need of a job, when we call upon His name to restore our health when we are sick, or brings peace to our spirit when we have lost someone dear to us. The God of HOPE is my God! It is He who tells me in Ephesians 4:19 “My God shall supply all of my needs, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” So then, what should I ask when I pray? Should it be the material things of this world? Before answering, let’s consider the following:
1 Kings 3:3 “And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statues of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.” There are three attributes of Solomon, which indicates his relationship with God: loved the Lord, walked in the statues of his father David and offered sacrifices. It appears that Solomon during this period was in good standing with God. When he went to Gibeon, there the Lord appeared to him in a dream by night and God said to him in verse 5: “Ask what I shall give thee.”
Imagine God asking you “what do you want?”
Solomon acknowledges to God with expressions of humility and inadequacy because he was too young, not smart enough, overwhelmed by the number of people (verses 7 & 8). The end result of his response is wanting for an understanding heart, ability to distinguish good and evil, and for strength to deal with so many people. It sounds like the request of a true leader! God commended Solomon for not asking for life, riches, and victories over enemies, but instead God granted him with three extra things he did not ask for, i.e.riches, honor, and long life.

The unselfish nature of Solomon’s request and the abundant grace God showered him as a result is apparent. I hope when we come to pray to our sovereign Father that we come with a humble heart and ask for the right things. Keep in mind that the Lord already knows what things we are in need of even before we ask.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Sprit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26.