Why Good Pastors Make Bad Decisionsనమూనా

Day 2: What God's Chosen King Actually Requested

Solomon had everything going for him. God personally chose him to be king. His father David left him detailed plans for the temple, a stable kingdom, and massive wealth.

So what's the first thing Solomon asks God for? A crash course in decision-making.

Notice what Solomon didn't pray for:

• More spiritual gifts;
• Greater anointing;
• Deeper revelation.

Instead, he essentially said: "God, I feel like a kid trying to run a corporation. Teach me how to make good decisions."

Solomon understood something most pastors miss: Being chosen by God doesn't automatically make you competent at leadership.

The Two-Part Formula Solomon Discovered

God's response reveals the secret every pastor needs. He gave Solomon:

Part 1: A discerning heart—spiritual wisdom to understand people and situations.

Part 2: Knowledge and understanding—practical intelligence to navigate complex decisions.

Solomon didn't get one or the other—he got both. And that combination made him the most effective leader in Israel's history.

Why Most Pastors Get Stuck

Here's where we go wrong: We assume spiritual maturity automatically produces leadership competence. We think prayer eliminates the need for planning. We believe anointing replaces the necessity for systems.

But Solomon shows us the biblical model: Spiritual authority PLUS practical wisdom equals effective ministry.

Moses learned this from Jethro. Solomon requested it from God. Tomorrow, we'll see how the apostles built it into the early church—and why it's the key to sustainable ministry.

Let's pray: Lord, like Solomon, I'm asking for both spiritual discernment AND practical wisdom. I don't want to lead on calling alone—I want to lead with competence that honors You. Show me where I need to grow in both areas.

In Jesus' name, Amen.