I Kings 3:5  At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

Suppose when you went to bed tonight the Lord appeared to you in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”  What would you ask for?  Do you know?

Some answers to this question are better than others.  Solomon’s answer (1 Kings 3:6-9) was pleasing to the Lord and He specifically noted some of the things he didn’t ask for.  I don’t think that Solomon was trying to please Him; he was just answering the question as honestly as he could.  The Lord was pleased with his honest answer.

That honesty is what we need to look for within us.  What answer truly reflects where we are?  What might we learn about ourselves by our answer?  We can submit our answer to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to show us anything we need to see.

Years ago when I was a young Christian, I wanted a supernatural ministry, but I was unaware of a problem I had.  One night in a dream, Jesus took me to a river nearby and told me to pick up the cloak that was there by my feet (just like Elisha in 2 Kings 2:13).  He told me to strike the water with the cloak, so I did.  The river immediately parted just like it did for Elisha!

Jesus then asked me if I saw anyone else around or were we alone. I saw no one else; we were alone. He then asked me how much it meant to me. With that question came the painful realization that it didn’t mean as much because I wanted people to see me do it. I wanted to be recognized as a man walking with the power of God.

The wonderful thing is that I didn’t feel condemned or put down.  I was embarrassed but mostly I experienced the loving touch of someone who was for me and wanted me to be free of anything that would hinder me.  In my repenting He affirmed me – I was His!  Fortunately God is so good and kind at showing us our faults and weaknesses and helping us to repent.

Note: Lent is a wonderful season of repentance.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will open our eyes to see the things we need to repent of.

To be continued…