Admitting Weakness

Have you ever felt like you were in something over your head and not sure about what you were doing? How we respond to those situations can make a big difference in the outcome. You can ask for help from someone who is much more knowledgeable about what you’re facing or you can try to muddle through on your own and hope everything works out.

Solomon faced the same question when he was made King over Israel and Judah. But instead of trying to rule with his own discernment, he humbled himself and asked for help from the one with a vast knowledge of life and kingdoms: “Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in (1 Kings 3:7, NASB).” He admitted he was overwhelmed by the task of governing.

Solomon does not ask God to remove the task from him, but instead he accepts his calling and admits his weakness. He does not ask for human power and strength, but instead focuses on seeking God’s wisdom: “So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours (3:8)?”

When God calls us to a task it can be overwhelming if we look at it from a human perspective. Often we may feel ill-equipped to do the job. Like Solomon, we too should humble ourselves before God and admit we need His wisdom. We should seek the Spirit of God to give us understanding and discernment to help guide us. It makes sense to go to the source of all wisdom, the one who created you and the world.    

Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore. – 1 Kings 4:29, NASB