Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
I have two daughters. (I have a son, too, but he’s off the hook for this post.) While they resemble each other and share a love of drawing, music and the written word, they are total opposites in at least one area.
Asking for things.
My youngest is well aware that she has no resources, so if she is going to get anything, she has to petition Mom or Dad. She’s not bashful or ashamed, and a ‘no’ on one aisle doesn’t slow her down in the next aisle.
My oldest never asks for anything. In fact, I have to prod her to tell me when she needs something. Maybe she’s content. Maybe she doesn’t want to appear greedy.
In Matthew 7:11 Jesus says, “If you then, being 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!”
Notice, Jesus doesn’t say God will give everything we ask for. I don’t give my youngest everything she asks for. But Jesus promises that our Father is ready and willing to give “good things.”
So why don’t we ask?
- Are we afraid He’ll say no?
- Do we think we can provide for ourselves?
- Or do we simply have a hard time grasping the goodness and grace of God?
Or maybe all of the above.
I think it’s less about the act of asking or even about the request itself, and most often about the freedom and intimacy we exercise. That freedom and intimacy is directly related to how well we understand the love and grace God has for us. Jesus assures us we have nothing to fear.
So let’s ask. Not because we’re greedy or selfish, but because God desires to give us good things.