“Ask and it will be given to you.” ~ Matthew 7:7 NIV
My female standard poodle asked for a rawhide chew. Actually, she demanded one. Cosette is quite persistent when she wants a chew. I told her to wait. She waited for two minutes. Then she pawed and gnawed at the container again.
Max, the male, came in and saw her finishing her chew. Instead of asking me for a chew, he whimpered at her. From the next room, I said, “Ask me, not Cosette.”
My words spoke to me. I wonder how often I’ve whined hoping others would supply what only God can provide. What would happen if I asked God for those things instead of throwing out hints to others?
Jesus’ invitation to prayer comes with an astounding promise:
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matt. 7:7-8 NIV).
Ask God in Prayer…
What could be simpler than to ask God? What do you long for? What are your worried about? Have you asked God for it or about it? I’ve often experienced immediate relief when I’ve simply asked.
But…
If you’re like me, a nagging question darkens bright hope. Is it really that simple? Haven’t I prayed for things I didn’t receive? Good things, unselfish prayers. So what does Jesus mean, “everyone who asks receives”?
Jesus relates our heavenly Father’s care with that of a human father.
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matt. 7:9-11NIV)
There are exceptions, but most daddies want good things for their children. They are also better judges than their children on whether something is beneficial or harmful. They know some temporary pleasures cause permanent pain.
Can you think of some things you would not allow your child, no matter how much he begged?
When our son Brant was four, he believed he could leap off of tall buildings. My “no” was actually a “yes” to Brant’s deeper—but unconscious—desire to live a happy, active life. Our children can’t see the consequences of their requests. But we can. So can God.
Some no answers to prayer simply mean not now. A year feels like a lifetime to a six-year-old. A lifetime feels like an eternity to us. God wants our long-term happiness, and He knows how to provide it.
When you’ve asked and there seems to be no answer, ask for understanding. Could the answer to this request keep me from receiving my deepest desires? Or is this something for which, like Cosette, I need to keep asking?
Sometimes, I need God to help me identify my deepest longings. The bread I crave now may dull my appetite for His heavenly feast.
Ask and it will be given to you—an astonishing promise for a simple request.
Question: What are you asking God for? Click here to comment.
What My Dogs Taught Me About Prayer #prayer Share on XBlessings,
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I love this, Debbie! Intercession is what takes soooo long! It was 17 years praying for my brother! But He answered!! ❤️
Beautiful testimony!! Thanks, Sue.
Debbie, I love this analogy and will likely think “Ask me, not Cosette” many times. BTW, my cats teach me nothing but how to live with narcissists!
LOL! You made me laugh, Paula.
I love this reminder, Debbie. So many times I turn laterally instead of vertically.
Ashley, I have too and gotten my nose out of joint when they don’t take the hint!
This is such a great reminder about God’s faithfulness and love and and encouragement when we’ve prayed and not seen the answer – yet. I also love that God spoke through your dogs! He is amazing!
God has used my dogs to show open my eyes. 🙂 But they haven’t spoken to me like Balak’s donkey!
That’s so poignant, to remember to ask God, not others, for what we need. Sometimes He uses others to supply needs, but He’s the One who know what we need when, and when to say no.
Barbara, as you allude, His “no” is also a gift even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
“When you’ve asked and there seems to be no answer, ask for understanding.” So very true. There have been times in which I have thanked God for not granting my request. He is so much wiser than we are. May we ask for understanding and then, trust Him.
Amen! As Gath Brook sings, “Thank God for Unanswered Prayers!”
You made me laugh and then say, “Ouch!”
🙂
‘ I wonder how often I’ve whined hoping others would supply what only God can provide. What would happen if I asked God for those things instead of throwing out hints to others?’
Wow, Debbie. Talk about food for thought. Hinting is so passive aggressive … and crazy considering we love and serve the God of the universe. Thank you for this wake-up call …
Yes, it took my dog to show me this. Thanks, Linda.
Our animal friends teach us many valuable lessons. God uses them, nature, other people, and many other methods to reach us. I can imagine Him thinking about my “slowness” in comprehending His message, yet He patiently tries another method to reach me. I’m so thankful for his faithfulness, mercy, and love. Praying for you and your husband.
I’ve learned so much from them and from caring for them. Thanks for your prayers. God has been gracious.
Comment * sometimes I just asked the Lord to intercede in the enemies attacks. I’m asking the Lord for the next step most of the time I’m asking God for spiritual maturity of the ability to obey his commands. Sometimes I just pray help me. We live in a dark world. It’s sometimes difficult to see the light, but I’m full of joy when I know that Jesus is with me through it all.
Asking for the next step sounds like a good prayer. Thanks, Gina.
Love it when you write about your dogs! And I also struggle to keep my eyes on the true source of everything important.
I can certainly see myself in them, Michele!
Your pups are adorable and you title made me laugh but what a great analogy for how we overlook the one who can provide what we want. Thanks Debbie.
They had a lot of pleasure and wisdom to my life. Thanks, Yvonne.
Thanks Debbie for the encouraging devotional. How creative you are to use your dogs to teach about prayer!
Bless you,
Shirley Miller
It’s funny the things that speak to you. Thanks, Shirley.