It’s Good to Be Queen

Opening Your Heart to God

Opening Your Heart to God

Opening Your Heart to God

“Sheba came to learn. Her eyes and ears, her mind and heart—all were wide open for King Solomon to fill.~ It’s Good to Be Queen

Chapter Two: It’s Good to Be Open

Of all the wisdom we’ll be learning from Sheba week by week, you said this one spoke to you most: “Be open to whatever God has prepared for you.” Openness is a real test of faith, isn’t it? Whatever means…well, whatever!

Alison admitted, “This is a challenge for me. I struggle discerning what God wants me to do.” You’re not alone, Alison. There are so many good things we could do, we wonder which is the right thing.

Here’s what we know for certain: God wants us to trust Him. As in let go. As in don’t fret. Pam shared that she is “learning to trust Him in all things and lift my finger off the control button.”

Love the visual. Lifting our fingers. Opening our hands. Releasing our fears. Receiving what’s next.

For many of us, God clearly is preparing something new.

  • “I’m at a transitional place in my life…” Gina
  • “I am in a holding pattern…” Joyce
  • “I’m in a new chapter /phase right now…” Karin

Being open to change can be both exciting and scary. Our one consolation is knowing who’s in charge: “The Lord reigns forever” (Psalm 146:10).

Map in the Time of Solomon and Sheba from It's Good to Be Queen

Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones— 1 Kings 10:2

What a spectacle! However valuable the jewels, however costly the gold, the queen’s spices were the most extravagant of her hostess gifts. The land of Sheba was rich with Arabian balm, myrrh, frankincense, and other delights meant to please a king.

But Sheba didn’t only open her treasure chest. She also opened her heart.

...everything on her heart. 1 Kings 10:2

…she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 1 Kings 10:2

Sheba opened herself up and revealed “all the things that she cared about” (MSG). The fact that her discussion points aren’t recorded in Scripture doesn’t mean they’re unimportant. They just aren’t as vital as her spoken words soon to follow.

Remarkable, isn’t it, how she trusted this royal stranger? Perhaps because the two were peers. More likely because Solomon loved and served the one true God, and His Spirit permeated their conversation.

Clearly, God was wooing Sheba through Solomon. Beckoning her to share her deepest thoughts. Answering her endless questions. Meeting her heartfelt needs.

The Lord does this for us as well, beloved: He listens. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14).

Let me take a quick run at one of our Study Guide questions, then it’s your turn to share what you’ve learned this week. So glad you’re here.

1 Peter 3:13

From the Study Guide

Are you willing to open your heart, your life to God’s leading?

This is an easy yes for me…now. In the early years of marriage, with young children at home, saying yes was harder. I worried about my own future, but mostly I worried about theirs. If I said yes to God, how would that affect my family? Would my children feel neglected? Would my husband feel ignored?

Here’s what I’ve learned: God not only prepares us, He also prepares those we love, so we’re all walking according to His will. It’s not about me, it’s about we. It’s not my ministry, it’s our ministry. His Word calls us to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21), which we do our very best to honor at the Higgs house.

Bill and I have worked side-by-side for two decades. I’ve only fired him twice (smile) and both times, he stayed in his desk chair and kept working. What a man. Our son serves as my first-draft book editor, our daughter-in-law is my new personal assistant and office whiz, and our daughter is my social media maven. When I began stepping away from a “real job” back in 1986 and opened my hands and heart and calendar to God, I could never have hoped, dreamed, or imagined what He had in mind. So good, Lord. So kind.

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of You. You love us, You lead us, You let us stumble, but You never let us fall from Your hands. Let our hearts remain open to whatever You have in store for us, knowing it’s not only good, it’s best.

"...if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” 1 John 5:14)

Now, it’s your turn

If you open your heart fully to God’s leading, what might happen? Please share your thoughts below, so we can learn from one another.

Your grateful sister, Liz
@LizCurtisHiggs
Your sister, Liz Curtis Higgs BibleGateway Blogger Grid I am honored to write for P31 Ministries Love being part of (in)courage!

P.S. If you’ve not yet purchased a copy of It’s Good to Be Queen, here’s a great price. And if you’d like to hear me teach Chapter Two, pop over to watch my short, free video on Vimeo. Last week on Facebook, Pam wrote, “This book and the study have changed my life and I am only on chapter 2.” All God, all the time, sisters. He is just that faithful!

Share Your Thoughts

Boldness is a Beautiful Thing

Boldness is a Beautiful Thing

“A crown means nothing unless the head wearing it is filled with wisdom and good judgment.” ~ It’s Good to Be Queen Chapter One: It’s Good to Be Bold Here we go! If you have a copy of It’s Good to Be Queen, you’re ready to rock. If you need to …

Read More