How often do you ask God for something? Do you ask him every day? Is it only when you are in dire need? Do you ask only for yourself, or do you include others in your request? Why do you ask God for his blessings? Is it because it is what you want? Or are you asking on God’s behalf as well?
There is nothing wrong with asking for blessings from God. In fact, Jesus tells us we are to ask. Yet, it is not about the asking but about the motive behind the asking. If we are asking out of selfish desires, we should not expect God to grant our request.
When Jesus tells us to ask, He also states that if we believe and are asking according to God’s will, our request will be granted. Knowing what God’s will is can be a challenge. Many people wonder what God’s will is. They seem to be befuddled by it. For them, it is like trying to grab hold of smoke coming off a burning log. They just can’t grasp it.
Even if we feel confused by God’s will, we can ask according to his will the majority of the time. How? By asking for what will make God known to those around us. We need to determine if our request is only for our benefit or will it help make God’s power and presence known to others. If our request, if granted, will show God to others, we are generally following God’s will. Therefore, carefully consider the motive behind your request and make them known to God with a servant’s heart.
I pray we all seek to know God’s will. I pray we make requests that will make God known to others. I pray each one of us carefully consider our requests and make them with a servant’s heart. Seek to know God’s will. Consider your requests. Make your requests with a servant’s heart.
Psalm 67:1-2
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
that your way may be known upon earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Marty Pressey 