Have you ever noticed how when we really want something, we put in every effort to make it happen? Whether it's getting VIP tickets at an event, a job we’re chasing, a car or home we’re hoping to buy, or even just getting a table at a fully booked restaurant, we go out of our way to ask and make it happen. Why, then, do we sometimes hesitate when it comes to asking God for what we need? The Bible makes it clear: God wants us to go to Him boldly, to ask, to seek, and to knock.
Boldly Approaching the Throne
Hebrews 4:16 reminds us, "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Imagine walking into a room where you know you’re welcome. You don’t just tiptoe or linger in the doorway; you walk right in. In the same way, God invites us to approach Him without fear or hesitation. He’s not looking for perfectly polished prayers or big elaborate words—He wants our hearts open, our spirits willing to reach out to Him.
Ask, Seek, Knock: Three Powerful Steps
In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus teaches us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Each of these steps is a call to action:
- Ask: Make your request known to God. Whether it’s peace in a stressful season, guidance on a big decision, or strength to keep going, asking is our first step in trusting God with our lives.
- Seek: This step requires a little extra effort. Seeking is more than just asking; it’s about earnestly looking for God’s will and being proactive in our faith. Think of it like searching for a lost set of keys—you’re not just casually glancing around; you’re digging deep because you need them.
- Knock: When we knock, we’re showing a commitment to our request. We’re showing God that we trust Him enough to keep showing up. Knocking on God’s door is an act of faith that says, “I believe You hear me, and I know You’re there.”
First, Seek the Kingdom
Another essential piece of this process comes from Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” God wants our hearts to be aligned with His kingdom. When our intentions are pure, when we prioritize God’s will, He’s even more eager to bless us in ways that surpass our understanding.
Think of it like ordering a meal: if we go to God seeking only the “side dishes” of life—money, material success, or fleeting pleasure—we’re missing out on the main course. But when we seek the things that nourish our spirit, everything else falls into place.
God’s Will, God’s Timing
It’s essential to remember that God answers prayers according to His will and timing. We might think we need something immediately, but God has a bigger picture in mind. Sometimes, His “not yet” is actually His “yes, but let me prepare you first.” Or sometimes, what looks like a closed door is actually God redirecting us to something better.
Imagine asking your friend to help you with a task, only to find that they already made plans to surprise you with something even greater. That’s what God’s like. He sees the whole picture, and He’s already working things out for your good.
Trust the Process
So the next time you feel hesitant to ask, remember that God delights in hearing from us. He wants us to bring our requests, our dreams, and even our worries before Him. He’s ready and waiting for us to take those steps: ask, seek, and knock. And when we do, we can trust that He’ll answer in the way that is best for us, beyond anything we can imagine.
Mindful Moment of Reflection:
Is there something you have been hesitant to ask God for, thinking it might be too big, small or unimportant? Imagine how much further along you could be if you simply asked, sought His will, and trusted His timing. What is holding you back?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me to come boldly before Your throne. Help me to trust that You hear my prayers and that You care about every detail of my life. Teach me to seek Your kingdom first, to ask with a pure heart, and to trust in Your perfect timing. Give me the courage to knock persistently and not resist coming to you and help me to remember that You always respond in love. May Your will be done in my life.
Amen.
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