Wisdom For The Future

“That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!…here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— 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! – 1 Kings 3:5,7-12.  

If God Himself appeared before you today and asked, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you,” how would you respond? Would you ask for a long life, better health, closer ties with your kids? Maybe more money, a secure future, a more purposeful career, or a loving spouse?

In 1 Kings 3:3-15 we learn that one night God came to Solomon in a dream and told him to ask for whatever he wanted. Solomon, in humility, asked for “an understanding heart”(wisdom) to govern God’s people because he knew he couldn’t do it alone. Although we probably won’t talk to God in a dream, we can also seek wisdom from God. James 1:5 says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” We need wisdom for the future. 

One of the best ways to prepare for the future is through prayer. To illustrate this, let’s take a lesson from Jesus’ life. There’s a great verse that shows us Jesus’ developmental process — what took Him to His future. Take a look at Luke 2:52, “Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.” Jesus “grew” into His future through His daily relationship with God. What you do today, how you grow today, how you are developing as a follower of Jesus Christ today will determine what your tomorrows look like. 

Pray for wisdom: pray for the capacity to understand things that you need to understand. The more wisdom you gain today, the wiser you’ll be tomorrow. Ask God to give you the discernment to know when He is using someone to speak instruction into your heart and your circumstances, and give you the strength and courage to follow through with that advice, even when it’s hard. Ask God to fill you with the peace in knowing that even if you take a wrong turn, His purpose will prevail.  

Discussion questions:

1. Where are you tempted to search for wisdom apart from God? When are you most tempted to lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6) instead of God’?
2. Where do you need wisdom right now in your life? Have you prayed about it? Stop and pray right now.