God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). We can rightly deduce from this scripture that God oftentimes, and possibly always, actually desires to do for us much more than what we ask of Him. If you are like me who wants to receive exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask God for, then let us take lessons from Hannah and Solomon.
Hannah badly wanted a son – just one son. The Bible tells us that she received the son (Samuel) whom she asked for, who grew up to be an extraordinary judge and prophet. Then she also bore three more sons and two daughters. Surely that was exceedingly abundantly above all that Hannah asked for. The reason why the Lord blessed Hannah beyond her wildest dreams was because she told Him what she would do to profit Him if He answered her prayer. And when the Lord answered her prayer by giving her a son, she fulfilled her vow – to the benefit of God – hence the blessing of more children she hadn’t asked for.
Concerning Solomon, when God gave Him a blank cheque to ask for whatever he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom to rule His people well. What Solomon asked for was of great benefit to God because God is immensely in love with the people He created for His pleasure. “The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing” (1 Kings 3:10). In response, God answered Solomon’s prayer by giving him the wisdom He asked for, and much more – “riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days” (1 Kings 3:13).
Hannah and Solomon teach us that: If our requests become less self-centered, but have something to do with blessing God and/or His people whom He dearly loves, then we shall receive exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask.
God bless you.