That Doesn't Just HappenSample

Ask for Excellence

King David did not pass his kingdom down to his firstborn, as was customary during that time. Instead, he passed the throne down to his tenth son, Solomon. Talk about breaking a cultural precedent! God chose Solomon as King David’s predecessor, but when Solomon received the enormous task of leading a country and building a Temple for the Lord, God also gave him the wisdom this job would require.

With seven years required to build the temple and thirteen to complete his palace, it is safe to say Solomon was at least forty years old by the time these two important structures were done and dusted. He oversaw two huge building projects! This is incredible, considering his youth when they began. However, we have to remember that he had divine favor and guidance over his tasks. God was working in him, through him, and with him to complete the most important and significant structure that Judaism would ever know. Yahweh Himself would live in the Holy of Holies.

Following David’s death, Solomon received an unusual dream. In it, God asked him to pick anything he wanted. While Solomon could have asked for anything as the new king of Israel, he asked God for wisdom. God told Solomon he could have asked for peace on his borders and with his enemies, and He would have granted it.

Solomon could have asked for a long life, but he didn’t. Solomon could have requested untold riches, but he asked for wisdom to lead the people of Israel because the task was far beyond his capacity and experience. So as a gift, God gave him everything he didn’t request. Solomon would enjoy a long life, untold riches, peace with his enemies—and wisdom also! That was how Solomon became the wisest king who ever lived, with a national economy unparalleled in his time that remained even after his reign ended.

Whatever position you’re in right now, whatever job you have, whatever title you hold... not only has God intentionally placed you there, but He has also equipped you for the task at hand.

The question is: In what area do you need to ask God for excellence?