No doubt about it, 2020 will go down into history books. Not only was it a year of the global COVID-19 Pandemic, but it will also be remembered in the United States for national racial riots and the electrified election of the President of the United States. It will be remembered for disruptions that were caused by social media and media addiction, social and political polarization, and the birth of untold new dilemmas.
Where do we begin to pray and what do we pray for?
This was the question on the mind of Solomon as he inherited the throne of his great father, King David. What could he possibly be known for that could build on the legacy of “the man after God’s own heart?” (Acts 13:22). What name would he be known as? Solomon asked for wisdom. Not earthly wisdom but God’s wisdom to lead. Today Christians are not known for wisdom. We are called dishonest, homophobic, rigid and known for being the “call-out culture” or against everything the world says is right and good.
Christ followers need to pray for wisdom.
It is not worldly wisdom we need to seek. It is the accessibility of wisdom from our all-knowing God who is the Alpha and Omega – beginning and end. We need to pray for his mind in all things during all times and the courage to wholehearted leaders. Earthly personal knowledge will never be enough only heavenly knowledge will be able to cut through our present-day dilemmas so that positive changes can be achieved. It is wisdom that goes beyond a human mind and can only be revealed through the discerning eyes of a divine heart. For when our eyes are fully on God, our hearts take the lead and prayers are miraculously answered according to God’s will and not ours. What is the reward? It is seeing creatively, differently that brings innovative solutions. It is the satisfying joy of leading with a mature heart. It is a gift that leaves a legacy of love, trust, peace, hope, long-suffering, faithfulness, goodness and wisdom for future generations and that lives on into eternity. It worked for Solomon and it will work for us today.
Will you pray daily for God’s wisdom to be brought forth and accomplished?
Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people? God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon’s response. And God said to him, “Because you have asked for this and haven’t grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I’ll give you what you’ve asked for—I’m giving you a wise and mature heart.I Kings 3:9-12 (The Message Translation)
