25 Jan
Ask And You’ll Receive…Just Like That?
Like most young people, I struggle to stay afloat financially; I miss my family, who live far away, so bad that I constantly hound them about moving my way; and I wonder when, or if, I’ll ever find that “someone” and get married.
This short list is just a fraction of a more extensive inventory of things that cause me to worry, keep me up at night, and stay unchecked on my never-ending “To Do” list.
Sometimes I let these things get to me. And sometimes I try to remind myself of the bigger picture—that I’ll look back on them 10 years from now with a whole new set of things to deal with and laugh at how petty the old ones were.
I don’t think these states-of-mind are out of the norm for most people. Yes, even those who follow Christ. I just have a problem of trying to deal with everything on my own and I can’t decide which one I want to live in.
“Ask God for what you want and need. Just ask.” This is all I’ve heard lately—from Sunday sermons, to small group Bible study, to my daily e-mail devotional.
Perhaps this is the Holy Spirit’s response to this growing issue in my life. Still, the understanding I have about this simple message doesn’t make me want to give my stuff up to Him or ask for His help.
I’ve always had a hard time asking people for things because I don’t want to put anyone out. And I always feel so selfish asking God for anything, so I regularly say, “I know you’re busy and I don’t want to inconvenience you, so I just won’t worry you with my life. I’ll just take these things on.”
But Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14).
And He offers up at least one answer regarding things unanswered, not resolved, or unfinished in our lives in Matthew 6:25-34: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
I haven’t worked all this out in my heart and head yet. And I know what God’s Word says, but I need to implement these truths into my life—and sometimes, for me, it’s a process of figuring out how. What are your thoughts on this subject in relation to your own life? Do you regularly ask God for the things you need and want in life? Is that hard for you?
What do you think? Join the discussion »
Filed in: Journey, Prayer, Trust
About the Author
Kaylan Christopher can be found sticking her hands in creative writing projects, blogging, hanging out at local coffee shops, and investing in her relationships with family and friends. A proud native of Texas, she loves chips, salsa, and coffee (but not altogether), Mute Math, LOST, her MacBook, good books, and live music. Kaylan currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee. You can connect with her on Facebook or by e-mail at kaylan_christopher@yahoo.com.
