Scripture tells us that we receive not because we don’t ask. Is this happening in your life? Or is it the next sentence that voids the receiving… “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” (James 4:3) Soooo, what are you asking for, and are you receiving? Is it a issue of what you are receiving?
Motivations are all important in determining results. And never assume you can’t ask for yourself and never go into false modesty. Nowhere in scripture will you find that you can’t ask for your own needs. There are verses that talk about asking for, among other things, guidance, help, prayer. We are encouraged to ask. “Ask and it shall be given…” (Matthew 7:7) and one of my favorite verses is, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” {Mark 11:24)
From this I think that one of the characteristics of receiving is believing we will receive. Sometimes our problem is in defining the what, when, and how of receiving and when the prayer is answered, we miss it because of our own preconceived ideas. I do read in various verses that we are to come with our requests, however I don’t remember being told to come with our answers!
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would
draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards
those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
That verse is one of my favorite verses. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or unable to resolve whatever I’m facing, this verse always ministers to me. Always. If we don’t believe He cares (1Peter 5:7), that He is able (Isaiah 50:2) and will make a way for us (1Corinthians 10:13) then why do we turn to Him? The glorious answers is that He does care, He will make a way, His arm isn’t too short plus a great deal more because He has given us His armor and has overcome (John 16:33).
Asking. We are invited to bring our requests… to ask, but not to bring our lack of faith that He has our answer and will help us in our time of need. Doubt has no place in these situations… our faith will provide us the path.
“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made
known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
AND
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will
guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (v. 7)
