Then the king said, "Bring me a sword." So they brought a sword for the king. He then gave an order: "Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other." The woman whose son was alive was filled with compassion for her son and said to the king, "Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don't kill him!" But the other said, "Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!"
1 Kings 3:24-26 NIV
Solomon's wisdom as described in today's verse came in handy for me while in Brazil. One of our translators, a Godly man, was facing a dilemma. He had a daughter from a previous marriage. His present wife was expecting a child. The older daughter wants to come live with her father and step-mother. The step-mother is objecting. She can't understand why her husband will not just accept the child they are fixing to have together. She doesn't want to raise someone else's child.
My translator friend came to me for advise. At first I was puzzled. What could I say to him to offer him encouragement, but also wisdom? Then the Lord laid this great story of Solomon's wise ruling on my heart. That's where my friend is at. Just like the mother whose son was about to be cut in half, so is the heart of my friend.
I first established that he and his wife had a good, loving relationship. Then, I advised him to share with his wife of his love and commitment to her, as his wife, first and foremost. I then encouraged him to share this story with his wife, and ask her to try and identify what his heart was feeling. He was being asked to make a similar decision; choose his wife, or choose his child. It was as if his child was being split in half. His heart couldn't bear it.
Why do I share this with you? Because I believe this illustration and this situation will speak to many of you. Many of you are faced with decisions just like my friend in Brazil. Whether because of broken homes or just because of jealousy, many of us walk on tightropes trying to please other people, while our hearts are being split in half. If you are here right now, I don't have to explain anymore. You know the feeling.
The wisdom of Solomon is wisdom for us today. If you are in a relationship that is stretched, where you are having to make decisions which split your heart, take that burden to the Lord. Maybe, if the parties are willing, you could share Solomon's wisdom, and allow that to show others how your heart is feeling.
I think Solomon was able to offer this wisdom, because he shared the heart of God in the matter. He knew the real mother would step forward for the child. Dear friends, this reminds me that God is looking at our hearts. He feels our pain and He sees our struggles, and He wants to administer justice in our lives. Won't you let Him carry your burdens today?
For more of my thoughts, check out my personal blog at
http://www.ronedmondson.com where I write on issues such as marriage, parenting, church and leadership.
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I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end. 
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