I am continuing to talk about faith as I have over the past several weeks. When I began this faith series several weeks ago, one thing I mentioned was that we can build our faith in good times. We don’t have to wait for difficulties to come our way before we start strengthening our faith.

One great biblical example that comes to mind has to do with Solomon. When Solomon became king he may have had some apprehension about the weight being put on his shoulders. But I imagine it was also an exciting time. Out of all of David’s sons Solomon had been chosen to be the next king. And there were many wonderful things on the horizon. He would have the task of building the temple for the Lord and he would be building a new palace for himself as well. So I imagine this was a happy time for Solomon.

The Bible tells us in 1 Kings 3:5 that the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” I imagine many people would have asked for worldly things such as riches, fame, possessions, a long life, or to rule over  many nations. But in 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon requests of God, “give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”

God was pleased that this is what Solomon had asked for. So God did grant Solomon’s wish, but He also gave Solomon wealth and honor. God says in 1 Kings 3:12-13, “I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.” Solomon definitely became the wisest person of his day and he wrote almost the entire book of Proverbs which contains much wisdom that we can all still turn to today.

What can we learn from this story about strengthening our faith?

Solomon’s request illustrated that he was not walking in fear. If he had been walking in fear he would have asked for something like good health, a long life, riches, or for everyone to like him. When we meet God in prayer, are our prayers threaded with fear or with faith?

Solomon knew that God was his source of wisdom and strength. This is vital for all Christians to remember, every day, in good times and in bad. God is our strength. God is our source. God is our provider. When we remember this, we can face whatever comes our way.

Also, what Solomon asked for would strengthen his faith all the more. It would help him grow closer to God. And we can do the same every day. We are so blessed to have the Bible, the living Word of God, at our fingertips. Spending time reading our Bibles every single day helps us to know God, to know His character, to know how loving He is, and to know how amazing He is. When we really get to know God, deep in our hearts, this will ultimately strengthen our faith. We will know, without a doubt, that our Heavenly Father is by our sides in anything and everything that we face.

© 2020 Bridget A. Thomas

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