Does God Want You to Ask for More?
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Photo by rodolfo sanches carvalhoon unsplash
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on an intriguing verse. It’s James 4:2b, and it says, “You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it” (NLT).
Stunning, isn’t it? There are things we want…things we need....and James tells us that when we lack, it’s often simply because we haven’t asked.
(Side note, James also states that another reason we might not receive is if we have wrong motives or ask for something that goes against God’s will. For our purposes today, I’m working off the assumption that what we want is in line with Scripture and coming from pure motives. Digging into those wrong-motive moments is a post for another day.)
It's a little sad too, to think about what we may have missed out on because we neglected to ask.
But this verse also brings me hope and joy because asking is easy! And nothing is stopping me from asking for more starting right now.
So I’m working on amping up my asking.
I’m asking for more insight and understanding, more provision and favor, more strategic ideas to share encouragement through my writing ministry, more wisdom as a parent, and more blessing and impact so I can reach and enrich as many people as possible.
I want to be as fruitful as I can, and if asking is a key component of the fruitful, abundant life Jesus came to give, I’m going to do my best to ask faithfully.
BLESS ME AND ENLARGE MY TERRITORY
How about you, friend? Is it possible that you’re not asking for enough?
Consider these additional Bible passages that either command or illustrate the act of asking:
“Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.” (1Chronicles 4:10 NIV)
“Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would silver; seek them like hidden treasures.” (Proverbs 2:3 NLT)
“O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.” (Nehemiah 1:11 NLT)
“Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 AMP)
“Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” (John 16:24 NLT)
BEAUTIFUL THINGS ARE IN STORE
I hope these passages encourage and inspire you as much as they do me!
I’ve been convicted that if I don’t start asking more intentionally, specifically, and regularly, I risk not fully accomplishing the dreams in my heart and the good work God has called me to do.
I know He’s put dreams in your heart and planned good work for you too! It’s exciting but also sobering because while it’s ultimately His power that will accomplish these things, our cooperation is required. So let’s keep asking and trusting and moving forward, one courageous day at a time.
Beautiful things are in store!
As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I’d love to hear from you! You can contact me here or through the comment section below!
In purpose and faith,
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If we’ve accepted Christ as our Savior, He now makes His home in our hearts—we ourselves have become His tabernacle, His temple (1 Cor. 3:16), the vessel He moves in and through to reveal Himself and impact the world around us…