Incredibly Mind-Boggling….

The irony or foreknowledge that God weaves in His mysterious ways into the minds of His faithful followers is incredibly mind-boggling. Here in 1 Kings chapter 8, we read of Solomon dedicating the Temple he just completed. In his prayer of dedication, Solomon asks God to forgive in times of straying. He even gives a detailed situation of exile. How could Solomon have known about Israel’s exile, about their future captivity? Did God reveal it to him? Was he so wise he that he could see the future? Was his wisdom so great that he knew human nature so well, it was just a matter of time for the Israelites to rebel? Did he know God so well, the future was easier to predict? Who knows? God did and does till this day. Solomon’s wisdom came straight from God. It was his dedication to being fully committed to serve God that this wisdom came to him. I find myself knowing God better, and understanding people and situations more in-depth when I start my day with God, reading His Word. Day after day leads to week after week, then month after month, and year after year. God becomes part of your everyday life. His truth, His Grace, His mercy, and His discernment become weaved within the fabric of your being. I may never be like Solomon, and contain all of his wisdom, but drawing close to God certainly helps me navigate through the mountain tops and valleys of my own life. It helps the world and all of its happenings make better sense. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I see myself as God intended, and He is pleased knowing my heart is fighting my sinful nature because of Him.

46 “If they sin against You–and who has never sinned?–You might become angry with them and let their enemies conquer them and take them captive to their land far away or near. 47 But in that land of exile, they might turn to You in repentance and pray, ‘We have sinned, done evil, and acted wickedly.’ 48 If they turn to You with their whole heart and soul in the land of their enemies and pray toward the land You gave to their ancestors–toward this city You have chosen, and toward this Temple I have built to honor Your name–49 then hear their prayers and their petition from heaven where You live, and uphold their cause. 50 Forgive Your people who have sinned against You. Forgive all the offenses they have committed against You. Make their captors merciful to them, 51 for they are Your people–Your special possession–whom You brought out of the iron-smelting furnace of Egypt. 1 Kings 8:46-51