If you're anything like me, you may make things more complex than they have to be at times. As I dig deeper in my attempt to learn about God and the scriptures, sometimes I overlook simplistic biblical principles.
I'm a firm believer in working for what you are striving for. I constantly ask God to guide my steps. I always ask Him to give me strength to walk in the steps He has ordered for me. l usually ask God to show me the blueprint of how to get xyz, so that I can execute it to His liking.
And there's nothing wrong with that. But because I'm so accustomed to wrestling for what I desire, sometimes I forget just to ask for it....
I look at my daughter and I see how there are somethings she won't ask for help with. Somethings she can do herself. But there are other times when she won't even attempt a task because she's well aware that she can't do it by herself. Instead, she'll just ask mommy to do it for her.
For example, if she wants a PB&J sandwich, she won't dare attempt to make her own sandwich. That's out of her league and she knows it (she's only 3). So, she just asks me to make her one. And I do. I always do.
And you know what? It never even enters her mind that she won't have it. She trusts that she'll receive it, just because she asked. Luke 11:9 states, "Ask and it will be given to you." And I know this verse. Of course I do. But sometimes we need a reminder.
So, I asked. I didn't ask for the plan to receive xyz, I just straight up asked for xyz. And like my daughter, I am waiting in expectancy for what I asked for. I'm ready to sink my teeth into my spiritual PB&J sandwich ta-day!
Now, don't get me wrong, sometimes we ask and don't receive because we ask amiss (James 4:3) or we simply ask for something that's not in God's divine plan. Which is why it's important to ask for something else before we make our request known to God.
If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
(Luke 11:13 NIV)
Notice it says our Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. In context, Jesus was saying that God will give us the Holy Spirit if we ask... not necessarily worldly possessions. And if we ask for the Holy Spirit, we will have the right spirit when we ask God of anything.
This is not to say that God won't provide us with certain things in this world if we ask. I know better than that. I remember asking God to bless us with the house we have, and He did. I remember asking for deliverance from a job when it looked as if all hope was lost, and He delivered me. Shoot, there are some materialistic things I thought about wanting and ended up receiving without even asking.
So, please don't misconstrue what I am saying. We can ask God for the things we desire. We need only to ask for the Holy Spirit first to ensure that what we are asking is not contrary to our own good.
Because no matter how much she may want it, I'm not giving my daughter the whole bag of cookies. It's not good for her. She doesn't know that, but I do. She may not understand the denial, but it's what's best for her.
Likewise, know that God will do what is best for you. So, I will leave you encouraging you to ask God. Yes, there are times when we will have to strive for a thing, but who knows? Maybe the thing you desire doesn't require striving. Maybe you should just ask.
So, go ahead ask.
Ugh, I could go on reader. But I won't. I think you get the picture. Stop beating around the bush, and just ask. That's all for this week. Take care and be blessed!
Quin Arrington's debut book "And Then You Shall Have Good Success: Attaining Good Success God's Way" is available on Amazon in paperback and eBook format. Links listed below: