Lesson Three: Ask, and it Will be Given
Devotion #6: Is It Good?
Pastor Justin Dean
Growing up, I had a similar issue to many other boys: I was constantly hungry. This being the case, I went to my source of food, my parents, to provide me with the food I so desperately desired. The problem was that many times, they did not think I needed the same food that I was hungry for. In my head, I am dreaming of Domino’s Pizza, McDonald’s fries, and Taco Bell, but they are thinking of much healthier options. I was asking for something, but what was best for me was much different than what I had in mind. Many times, we experience something similar with our Heavenly Father.
Matthew 7:7-11 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
On first read, this can be misinterpreted to mean that we can have free reign to treat God like Santa. I want you to re-read this passage but with the mindset of a child asking their parent for the things they need.
I think that last line really illuminates the truth of this entire passage, “How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” The problem is what we think is good and what God thinks is good are often very different. Our own sinful desires, the cultural lies we believe, and the comfort we wish to fuel often lead us to serpents when we really need fish.
God is concerned with our needs, and He wants us to come to Him in our times of need. We must understand that the way He meets those needs may be different than we think is best. So, how does this change the way that I live now? As I read this passage, I am reminded of the way I pray. When I am in need, do I go to God in the specific way I want it accomplished, or do I lay my needs before Him and trust that He will provide in the best way that only He can? Do I ask for a million dollars, a new truck, or a raise to satisfy my anxiety about my finances, or do I lay my anxieties before Him and trust that He will show up in a way that truly satisfies me and leaves me content?
Romans 8:27-28 (NASB) adds, “And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
God promises that He will provide for us what is good and for our best. We must remind ourselves of this truth when we get discouraged or feel that our prayers are not immediately answered in the way we think is best. We must also remind ourselves that He knows what is best and is working all things, the things that seem good and bad, out for our best as we follow him.
How can you remind yourself of this truth today?