2 Chronicles 1

On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, "Ask! What shall I give you?" And Solomon said to God: "You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place. Now, O LORD God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?" Then God said to Solomon: "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like."

(2Ch 1:7-12)

This is a story that we all know well. You have probably heard several messages taught about it, and have had countless Sunday school lessons that talked about it. We all know the basic truth connected with this story… True wisdom comes from God and is ours for the asking.

Rather than give you another spin on this passage, I want to ask you a question that I would like you to really think about… If it was just you and God, and He asked you this question… and you knew that NOBODY would ever know about the encounter, what would you ask Him for? Not your Sunday school answer, but being honest with yourself, what is it that you really desire above all else, when no one is watching? This was no public “I better give the right answer” kind of settings; this was at night, in the dark, all alone. What’s in your heart? What about you, at night, in the dark, all alone? What do you want more than anything else? This is what is so amazing about Solomon’s answer… he didn’t give it when he was in the spotlight, he gave it when it counted most… when it was just him and the Lord.

See, it’s easy to be a “Christian” in front of the public eye, but does your faith flourish most in your private life, or is that where it becomes clear it is fake? Be honest with yourself… this question can reveal a lot about who you really are and what you really serve.