Is it hard for you to ask for things? We know that men rarely ask for directions, and that those in the helping services find it difficult to ask for help for themselves, but what about you? As you consider this past week, have you asked for anything?

The book of James says, “You don’t have because you do not ask God.” (James 4:2) And Jesus said, “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” (John 15:7) Asking is an important part of the Kingdom of God. Though your Father in heaven knows what you need, He wants you to ask. Your asking is an expression of your faith in the invisible and personal God.

It is important to learn to ask for the kinds of things that are in line with God’s purposes. It brings God great joy to supply what you need. You represent Him and His Kingdom. He wants you to be successful, and have life impact that will last. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

As you learn to ask God, you will do well to take another learning step and ask God on behalf of others. This intercession is not only an expression of faith, but also an expression of love. Learn to pray for others the kinds of things God wants to do for them. Your prayers will release the power and provision of God. If you really mean your prayers, you will also allow God to sometimes use you to answer those prayers. This is active, loving faith.

“This is the confidence that 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 in Him.” (1 John 5:14-15)

Pastor Tom Griffith

This entry was posted on Friday, September 7th, 2007 Friday @ the River. Subscribe to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.