2 Chronicles Chapter 9: Verses 1-4 (NIV)
When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. Arriving with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all she had on her mind. Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for him to explain to her. When the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, as well as the palace he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, the cupbearers in their robes and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the Lord, she was overwhelmed.
The queen of Sheba had heard all of the reports about Solomon’s wisdom and wealth. Perhaps she thought the reports were too good to be true, so she came to find out for herself. And she discovered that everything she’d been told was indeed true! She was in awe of everything she saw and experienced. It exceeded her expectations. Solomon’s wisdom was God-given as was his prosperity. That’s why it stood up under testing. God-given gifts will never fail, because they are not of natural origin.
We too may have a gift or calling from God which at times may be tested. These days some people find it hard to believe in the transforming and supernatural power of God at work in someone’s life, and don’t always trust any report of such. That’s not always a bad thing. It may be partly due to the rise of “fake news” and how easily things can be manufactured or set up by modern technology so that things may not always be as they seem. But when the Holy Spirit is moving in the exercise of a gift or calling, it is very evident and unshakeable. Thus, rightly, all the praise and glory go back to the Giver of the gift and not to the one who exercises it.
Dear Lord,
The Bible tells us that the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. Help me to exercise wisdom and discretion in using what You give so that all praise and glory go to You, and people are in awe of You and all You have done in and through us. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.