Three Wishes

Have you ever dreamed of finding a magic lamp that you could rub and have a genie grant wishes? Would your wishes be what you really want and need? One story tells of a fellow who found such a lamp. Upon rubbing it the genie promised three wishes. The guy was elated and immediately asked for a new convertible for his first wish. When it magically appeared he proceeded to ask that it be filled with $100 bills. That wish too was fulfilled. Planning to give careful consideration to his third wish the guy decided to go for a drive in his new convertible. As he drove down the highway he was so happy he burst out singing, "I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener...." You can imagine the result for yourself.

We might smile at that, but are our wishes any better? We tend to pile stuff upon ourselves and then try to think of some more stuff that would make us contented. Of course, we don't really have a magic lamp or genie, but we do have a source of provision. God has promised to meet our every need. The biggest problem is knowing what we really need so that we can petition God with our request.

Perhaps the most famous request for something from God that comes to mind is that of Solomon. His request is held out as an example of real thoughtfulness. Solomon was the king and he was asked by God, "What shall I give you?" What does a king wish for? Solomon had a great position. He could order most anything he wanted from his subjects. But Solomon realized that with his inexperience he did have a need to enable him to be a good king.We generally say that Solomon asked for wisdom which is basically correct, but listen to his words in I Kings 3:9. "...give to your servant an understanding heart..." Solomon realized the importance of his relationship with those he would govern.

The Hebrew word for understanding is "listening," Solomon wanted a listening heart.We all have that same need. People all around us just want someone with whom they can share their feelings and circumstances. Most of the time we have no time to listen because we want to do all the talking. Let's ask God to give us a listening heart today. Then we will be equipped to minister to one of the greatest needs people have which is for someone to simply listen.