New Testament Journey Day 24 – Matthew 7:7-11. Jesus Teaches about Asking, Looking, Knocking.

Oh how this scripture is speaking to me today! If you’ve been following this bible study you know that I have not kept up with a post every day – sometimes it’s 3 or 4 days in a row, and then nothing for 2 days.. the devil has been fighting me with my health, distractions, etc. but I am DETERMINED to keep at this. Determined to get back to daily posts. I will keep Asking God to use me for HIS will – I will keep Seeking Jesus and His wisdom – I will keep Knocking until one day that door in heaven opens up for me. This scripture gives me so much hope – as it should all believers!

The scripture says that the children in Jesus’ example asked their father for bread and fish – good and necessary items. If the children had asked for a poisonous snake, would the wise father have granted the request? Obviously not! Sometimes God knows we are praying for “snakes” and does not give us what we ask for, even though we persist in our prayers. Nor will God give us “stones” or “snakes” instead of what we need. As we learn to know God better as a loving Father, we learn to ask for what is good for us, and then he grants it. Christ is showing us the heart of God the Father. God is not selfish, begrudging, or stingy, and we don’t have to beg or grovel as we come with our requests. He is a loving Father, who understands, cares and comforts. If humans can be kind, imagine how King God, the Creator of Kindness can be.

20 or so years ago I was approached to apply for a job at a competitor. It would be my first Managers job. I’d have a blackberry, get to travel, direct reports – to say I was excited was an understatement! I interviewed, it went really well, they told someone I happened to know that they would be offering me the job. I waited, and waited, and eventually I got told that in order to cut costs, they had given the position to someone who was already a Manager and bumped them up $5k a year vs. another entire salary. Not going to lie, I was a bit disappointed – but my response became “God, you know better than me.” And I went on with my life being thankful and grateful for the job I did have. A few months later I was offered a Managers position at a larger airline that started opening many doors for me in my career. The job I didn’t get? A year later they were closing their doors and went out of business. God gave me bread even when it looked like a stone. That’s just one of the many examples I thank God for BOTH opened doors, and closed.

I have shared with a few friends who are facing decisions the following advice – Pray like this – “God you know my heart. I want to be in YOUR WILL above all else (and truly mean that). If this (job, person, move, etc.) is what you want for me Open the door so wide it will be easy to walk through. If it’s not your will – shut the door tight and I will Praise you either way!” When you truly grasp that if you are a Christian and love God with all your heart, HE WILL direct your paths. You can pray a prayer like that in confidence and not be devastated at closed doors – but rather thankful knowing that God is saving you from something that you may not yet see.

The bible also says “you have not because you ask not” – Friends, TALK TO JESUS! Jesus is telling us here to PURSUE GOD. So many give up after a few halfhearted efforts and conclude that God cannot be found. But knowing God takes faith, focus, and follow-through, and Jesus sees that we will be rewarded. I can sit here and want a relationship with Jesus all day – but if I don’t do my part it’s not going to happen. Don’t give up your efforts to seek God. Continue to ask him for more knowledge, patience, wisdom, love and understanding. And He will give them to you!

Stay warm my friends – and be blessed!