Ask and It Will Be Given to You!

Friday, June 30, 2017

“So, I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”  Luke 11:9  (Read the context)

 

When Jesus implored His disciples to ask, seek, and knock, He told them (and us) a great deal about what a life of faith looks like.

 Hey Gang:  Many years ago, we had the opportunity to hear a converted alcoholic turned Evangelist, who also had been a very successful executive in a major company connected to the space program.  He was asked, “If you prayed for healing for someone and that person dropped dead, what would you do?”  His response, “I would go to the next person who needs healing and pray for them!” 

 Did you ever ask God why bad things happen to good people? Or ever wonder why you do as God said: “Ask, seek and knock” but the fruits of your prayer fail to materialize?  “Why, Lord, did you not hear my prayer?” or “Why, Lord, did you not say…”  “Did you not hear my prayer, Lord?”  You did say, “Ask and it will be given to you,” didn’t you?”

 As I have looked and asked these very questions, throughout my 83 plus years of walking through many valleys and shadows, I believe there has come a degree of  understanding.  I have begun to understand that below the surface of these Words is the humility of fervent prayer, the vigorous activity of seeking after God, and the persistence to overcome any obstacle that is placed between us and God!

 I have also learned that God’s ways are always far and above and better than my ways.  The Bible tells us God's ways are not our ways, neither his thoughts our thoughts.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts” (Is. 55:9). 

 Does this not sound a lot different from the self-serving, first impression we often associate with this passage?   Careful young friends, that you do not accept a shallow, worldly interpretation of Jesus’ words. The blessed, deep, rich meaning that Jesus intended requires maturity in Christ that only comes through walking ever closer to Him. Focus on Him first. What will glorify Him, not just my desire. 

As you take your petitions before the Lord this morning, keep in mind Jesus made a promise in this teaching: Good things, very good things will come to those who actively participate in the asking, seeking, and knocking of faithful living, just not always as we want or expect! (see Matthew 7:9-11). And that, my good compatriots, is an irrevocable promise from the throne room of heaven. He wants His best for us; that is not usually the easy path!!

Blessings,

Gramps