“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV84)

When I was a kid, my parents were INSISTENT that I ask for things that I wanted.  There was no declaration of “I want juice” or “I want apples”.  If I wanted something, I had to ask.  And not only did I have to ask, but I had to ask politely.  As an adult who oftentimes encounters students who have not had this training, I’m appreciative of the discipline that my parents instilled in me by requiring me to ask for things.

That’s not to say that I always got it right.  There were quite a few times where I forgot the rules and made declarative statements, that often resulted in confused looks from my parents.  You know, the look that says, “But who are YOU talking to like THAT in THIS house?”  Yeah, that look.  And then I remembered that I needed to ask for what I wanted- especially if I desired a response, and even moreso if I hoped that the response was in the affirmative for me.

It’s kind of like that with God too.  We have all of these things that we desire- and so we say that.  It can sound something like this:

• “I want a new job.”
• “I want a new car.”
• “I want to be debt-free.”
• “I want to find a church home.”

There are numerous things that we desire- but the real question is, “Have you asked for it?”.  And I mean this in a sincere way- but have you truly submitted that request to God?  If there’s something you desire that you have yet to receive, is it because you haven’t asked for it?

I’m willing to bet that you’ve tossed around some declarations (like the ones I’ve listed above), but haven’t asked.  It’s not the same.  And if you really want it- what are you waiting for?  Ask away!  Ask in faith, knowing that God can do more than we can ask or imagine.  And after you’ve asked- believe for the affirmative.  Don’t allow anything to talk you out of what you’ve asked for.  God can.  God will.  He’s able!

Be encouraged!  Peace and Blessings!