700) Children are often asking for things that are not good for them. If they want an entire bag of candy and they get it, they will most likely eat it all and then be sick from it. As adults, we know that giving our children what they ask for can sometimes be the worst thing in the world for them.

What about adults? Can we be asking God for things that are not good for us either? The problem here can be how we justify the “need” for whatever we’re praying for. 1 Samuel 8 is an example of this. God’s people had been suffering under the spiritual guidance of Samuel’s two sons who we are told in verse 3 did not follow in God’s ways. Instead of asking God’s guidance over what should be done, they look around and see that other countries have kings, so they think they should too.

Is having a king bad? I don’t think so, but it can be. For example, I have been applying to some online writing jobs so I can continue to move toward writing for a living. I have two such jobs I’m considering but it occurred to me today that I was just thinking which job would work best for me and I have been planning to decide on whether to take the work (assuming I am offered them) based solely on this. These things are good things to consider but the still small voice spoke to me today and asked me to consider what God had to say about these situations; where I can use my gifts and abilities for His purposes. I was reminded that I need to be careful what I ask for if I don’t consult God. I may just get it.