I’ve been thinking about the concept of asking this week. Asking as in; saying something in order to obtain an answer or some information. It’s to make a request in the hope of our request been answered with a Yes.
I’ve realised over the years that I am really bad at asking. I hesitate, second guess, don’t want to be a bother and far too often expect when I do finally ask, for the response to be no. Perhaps that’s a result of growing up and seeing those around me struggling, or just not thinking what I wanted was important enough that I should ask. Whatever it is my hesitation to ask isn’t really something God agrees with.
If I look at God’s word its full of asking, and that God is waiting for us to ask of Him. The issue arises to ask when we don’t know His heart towards us or His willingness to answer favourably. Or we get all religious and think God’s too busy, it’s not a “spiritual” enough request, or that it’s just for me so I shouldn’t ask – that would be selfish.
Over the years when I have really had a deep desire for God to do something in my life and I have earnestly and expectantly asked, I’ve seen some amazing things happen. I asked specifically for the sort of man and husband I wanted to share my life with, and my request was granted…in excess. I asked for children and was blessed with six. I’ve asked for healing and been healed and seen many healed as I’ve prayed, I’ve asked for money and food to multiply and it has. I’ve recently asked for new car and received more than I asked for; in a sports model with leather seats, in my favourite colour, at a bargain price. I asked to travel as a family and we’ve travelled the world with our children to New Zealand, Thailand, the UK, Italy, USA and Canada. I regularly ask for car parks, the best deals when shopping, help with directions (I ask that alot), for Gods wisdom and peace and for joy.
There is a verse in the bible that says,”Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 4:6-7 TPT)
God wants us to ask Him about everything and for us to bring our requests to Him. Instead of worrying He says, “pray,” instead of toiling and striving for whatever we desire, He says just delight in me, seek me first and ask! Nothing is too small and nothing is too big for Him to be able to handle. In fact He loves it when we stretch our faith and believe for our dreams to happen. (Psalm 37:4; Matt 6:33; Matt 7:7; Ephesians 3:20)
Today I encourage you to bring your requests to God, checking that what you are asking for is in the guidelines of His word. Then go ahead and ask, knowing that if it brings you joy, if it makes you glad you’re alive and blesses your heart. If it makes your day easier and more joyful and peaceful, if it helps another, it’s probably going to be exactly what your loving heavenly Father desires for you too. So, “Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.” (Matt 7:7 Amp)
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” ( Roman’s 8:32)
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours“. (Mark 11:24)
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you….Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 15:7; 16:24)
Prayer: Lord thank you that you love to answer my requests, and that you say that when I ask it will be given. So I’m asking today for ……………… Thank you Lord. In Jesus name Amen
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