Don’t Forget to Ask

 

By Andrea Merrell

 

You don’t have what you want because 

you don’t ask God for it.

James 4:2 NLT

I needed a favor but was too timid to ask. I fretted about it for days, trying to figure out how to make something happen, even hoping my friend would see the need, and I wouldn’t have to say anything at all.

When I finally saw no other way around it and presented my dilemma, she said, “Why did you wait so long? All you had to do was ask.”

How often do we do that with the Lord? We have a need but fail to take it to the One who has all the answers and all the solutions. We spend countless, unproductive hours analyzing our problem and trying to figure out how to fix it ourselves. Most of the time we end up frustrated and stressed out.

All the while, God is saying, “Why did you wait so long? All you had to do was ask.”

The Bible clearly tells us that we have not because we ask not (James 4:2). Jesus Himself said, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7 NLT). And according to 1 John 14-15, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him” (NIV).

Some say when we get to the end of our rope, we should tie a knot and hang on for dear life. But why wait until we get desperate? How much better off would we be if we would learn to take everything to the Lord in prayer immediately. To seek His face, His wisdom, and His guidance. To pray and keep on praying, knowing that He hears us and is working on our behalf—even when we can’t see or feel it.

Child of God, Your Father already knows what you need, but the Bible says, “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV).

God is ready to answer your prayers. Just don’t forget to ask.

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and imagery majestic.