ASKING AND RECEIVING FROM GOD
The Bible says: “if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.(B) 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know(C) that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15). And Jesus said, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7).
GOD KNOWS WHAT IS BEST FOR HIS CHILDREN, EVEN WHEN THEY DON’T KNOW.
In the Bible, the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
21“What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
22“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
23Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:20-28).
Evidently, when the mother asked Jesus for royalty for her sons, she and her sons did understand that the spiritual nature of God’s kingdom is different from that of earthly kingdoms. The Lord let them know that Those in highest position in God’s heavenly kingdom are most servant.
THE LORD HELPS US WITH OUR REQUESTS.
The Bible reveals if one of God’s children asks for something is not according to God’s will, he helps them to understand what is in line with his will. And like a loving parent, he gives them what is best for them. For example, If a child asks for a snake that the child thinks is an eel-like fish, a loving parent would not give the naïve child the snake. Our heavenly Father, who is more loving and wiser that our earthly parents, would not give us something he knows is harmful even if we pray for it. But he will give the Holy Spirit to all who ask him. (Luke 11:11-13). And no good thing will he withhold from those love and abide in him (Romans 8:32).
The biblical Word of God guides us in knowing God’s will, and what we should ask him for:
- The Bible says, seek first the kingdom of God by repenting and believing in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, and God will add other good things according to his knowledge and will (Matthew 6:33; John 3:16; Acts 2:38).
- Our loving Savior and Lord said pray in this manner: Our Father… your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10).
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Live by and obey every word of God (Matthew 4:4; John 14:15).
- With the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, be conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ, who always did the will of our heavenly Father rather than his own( Luke 22:44; Roman 8:29).
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
OUR LORD GOD GIVES US ONLY WHAT IS BEST FOR US.
God loves us enough to sacrifice his beloved Son while we were still sinners; he will surely give us all other things that are good for us ( Romans 8:32; Psalm 84:11). When we abide in our Lord Jesus Christ, and ask according to God’s will, He gives us what will conform us to the likeness of his beloved Son (Romans 8:29). And the Lord will take us to live with God in heaven forever (John 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17).
