170th BDS – July 30, 2025

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 3:9, 10-14

Over the years, I’ve often heard “..be specific with your prayers..” and “..be careful what you pray for..”. Have you? Scripture tells us that “..for we know not what we should pray for as we ought..”.(Romans 8:26) In this passage of Scriptures, Solomon after taking his place on the throne as the king of Israel had a conversation with GOD and after that his life was never the same again. The difference maker, was what he didn’t ask for.

So, let’s dive in?

“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” 1 Kings‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You would think that a king would ask for riches beyond belief, a kingdom that would never be defeated, the most beautiful queen, male heirs to his throne and perhaps the loyalty of men willing to die for him. Solomon instead, asked for a heart that was compassionate towards his people and for the ability to perceive both the good and the bad.

1 Kings 3:10-14

GOD was happy with what Solomon asked for.(vs. 10) GOD then recounted all of the things that Solomon did not ask for.. he didn’t ask for a long life, he didn’t ask to be rich nor for the finer things in life, he didn’t even ask for his enemies to be defeated! What.. he didn’t? No he most certainly did not. Then GOD recounted what Solomon did ask for.. he asked for the ability to comprehend how to determine the right things to do(vs. 11). In doing so, GOD gave Solomon wisdom and a heart of understanding, which no one before him nor after him would have.(vs. 12) But that wasn’t all, GOD then blessed Solomon with the things that he did not ask for. Solomon was blessed with wealth and notable honor that would be unmatched by any king after him.(vs. 13) Solomon was instructed that all he had to do was to obey GOD, and he would be granted with a long life just as his father David lived.

Final Thought: Should we go to GOD and ask Him for the things that we desire in this life? Yes, we are encouraged in His Word to do just that although He already knows what they are.(1 John 5:14) However, when you do ask Him for something, remember Solomon’s approach. It wasn’t for more of what this World has to offer, it wasn’t to live a full and happy life and it wasn’t that our enemies would be destroyed.. it was for more of GOD and His characteristics. According to His Word, you will be.. BLESSED FOR WHAT YOU DIDN’T ASK FOR!!!

-Minister Marchand, Founder and Overseer of JESUS IS GLOBAL MINISTRIES-JIGM and JESUS IS GLOBAL MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY-JIGMIA