Well-known seminary president Haddon Robinson was meeting with a wealthy donor to seek a sizable contribution. (I assume that it was for a ministry project.) When Robinson asked for a specific amount, the donor said something like this: “I was prepared to give you much more if you had asked.”
My husband, Shawn, really likes this story because it reminds him to “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16).
It’s vital for us to bring our requests to God, because He delights to give us good gifts (Matthew 7:11). Are we not His children? If we are, and if there is no active sin occurring in our lives—if we’re not rebelling against Him and His ways—then there’s no reason we cannot be seeking the good gifts He desires to give us. We can freely share our requests with Him, remembering that they should reflect our seeking after His kingdom above all else. Then God in His wisdom will give us what we truly need—not just what we want (Matthew 6:33).
When blind Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was on the road to Jericho, he began shouting to Jesus and asking Him for mercy (Mark 10:47). He persisted even when the people in the crowd told him to be quiet (Mark 10:48). But not Jesus. When He heard the blind beggar, He summoned Bartimaeus and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” He wanted to help and heal the man who was in great need. What a comfort to us all!
So what are we waiting for? Let’s continue to seek after God and to fulfill our mission within His kingdom, and as we do, let’s bring our requests to Him. He just might be prepared to provide even more than we ask for (Ephesians 3:20).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 2:15–3:24
More:
Read Psalm 84:11 and consider what it reveals about God’s giving heart toward those who follow Him and His ways.
Next:
If Jesus were to ask you right now, “What do you want Me to do for you?” what would you say? Why is it vital that we pray “if it is Your will” as we bring our requests to God?
coachkandi on January 2, 2016 at 6:31 am
I struggle sometimes with how to go about asking. I am learning so much as I read the word each day and hear how so many others did it.
Marlena Graves on January 2, 2016 at 9:57 pm
Hi coachkandi,
I think of a good parent, a good father. And just like my children ask of me, I ask of God. Sometimes the answer is, “no.” Other times it is yes and far more than I can ever ask for or imagine. But usually it’s not on my time table or in the way I imagined that it’d be answered.
Gary Shultz on January 2, 2016 at 7:32 am
Hi Marlena, if you can go a little long with me today, the subject you bring up has always perplexed me. It is another mystery of balance I have not solved nor am I sure I have the answer. When do we become satisfied, when do we ask for more, do we always ask for more, are we never satisfied with a spiritual condition? The Lord has blessed me with materials and health, I’m not wealthy, but I am able to pay my bills and save a little for the next expense. Christ instructed us to pray for our daily bread, even if we have been blessed with our daily food and clothing? Give thanks, to be sure; however, would I continue to ask for what I already have, or should I turn my attention to just spiritual growth areas? Do we ask for what we need or like the story of Mr. Robinson, should we ask beyond what we desire?…. I do have to go here, when I ask myself, would God withhold something He knows would be good for me, even If I am too blind to see or ask? I trust God to bring the things that I need, to me, I am satisfied. He challenges me with His word and presences and I know I am loved deeply by Him. What more can I ask or what more should I ask? I sort of do the “blank check” kind of thing, Lord here I am, I am yours, all I have is yours and thank you for letting me go fishing some times. I don’t expect you to answer all of this, but it is a mystery of my faith walk. I find myself like the father as he said, Lord help thou my unbelief, in spite of myself Father, move me to where I need to be. Thanks for listening, I’ll behave better soon.
jim spillane on January 2, 2016 at 12:16 pm
Gary – you’re so right about the perplexing subject of what and how much to ask our Heavenly Father for. But when it comes to “our daily bread,” I think that it’s more than just food and clothing. I think our Lord was referring to our daily needs, whatever those may be. Remember that, unlike us, He knows our future and knows what will be necessary for us to make it through. So actually, in one sense, we are asking Him to take care of us, to see us through, whatever may come our way. And we should be doing this on a daily basis. Hope I was helpful in some small degree. Thanx.
Marlena Graves on January 2, 2016 at 10:09 pm
Jim, thank you for your insight. For some reason your words remind me of the verse that says that the kingdom of God is not one of talk but of powers. 1 Corinthians 4:20. I often ask God for that power, especially the power to obey.
Marlena Graves on January 2, 2016 at 10:06 pm
Hi Gary,
I do think it’s a mystery. But, as I said to coachkandi above, I imagine the best parent I possibly can, who has my best interest in mind. And ask him for my daily needs, yes. But, I also ask him for the biggest thing for which I can possibly think. Even right now I have something currently in mind. It’s not a need, but a desire that has to do with my gifts and the kingdom. I am asking for him to come through.
Believe it or not, many times I have received great and mighty answers, albeit years later. Writing for our Daily Journey is one of those answers. I once thought, “It’d be nice to write for them, Lord.” And a few years later, it was handed right to me. I think I only mentioned it to the Lord once! So yes, there’s mystery and there are times where he says “no”. I had an extremely painful “no” last spring. But other times there are glorious yeses! And I know there are “wait(s) that at the time seem like a no. But, I ask anyway. I was encouraged by Haddon Robinson’s story. I ask for the tip top request I can think of.
Mike Wittmer on January 2, 2016 at 8:55 am
Love that story. Friends who work in development tell me that potential donors can actually be insulted if they are asked for too little. Don’t the people asking know how much they have?! Let’s not insult God, but ask Him for everything that we think we need.
Marlena Graves on January 2, 2016 at 10:07 pm
Wow, that is helpful to know, Mike. I ask God for the best I can imagine.
BearPair on January 3, 2016 at 3:47 am
Great reminder, Marlena… so often it is we who limit God’s provision. I like Gary’s comment that our “daily bread” really reflects all our daily needs. Thanks!
Winn Collier on January 7, 2016 at 4:32 pm
Recently, I’ve noticed how one of my sons is tamping down his desires – and often leading some request with the added line “but you can say ‘no'” Last time I needed to say ‘no,’ I took added time to reaffirm how even I have to say no, I’m sure glad he asks. I think God’s like that.
dlc5 on January 14, 2016 at 12:03 pm
As a father myself, I love to hear from my kids. I always listen when they ask me something and sure I care what they’re asking about, but it’s our relationship that’s important to me. They know they can ask me anything, anytime. I think Our Father in heaven is like that. As His child, I’m learning that asking for ‘things’ or ‘amounts’ is not as important as it used to be when I was little. Just talking to Him is the important thing. God can multiply any gift. Getting to know Him and His will for my life is the real reward. It helps me to remember what Jesus said in John 17:3, “This is eternal life, that they might know You the only true God and Jesus Christ Whom You have sent.”