Just Ask

by Bethany Lashbrook

This Week's Verse: Isaiah 55:6, "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near."(NIV)

Devotion:
Have you ever wanted something, asked the Lord for it, and then before you could say the words “maybe I didn’t mean to ask for that” you had already received it?

Matthew 17:20 states: He [Jesus] replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Isn’t this inspiring? Jesus is telling us so simply, believe and you shall receive. I think sometimes my faith must be smaller than that simple little mustard seed because many times I have asked for something not really believing that God would actually give it to me. But, He does. Why is that?

I can think of many instances where the Lord has quickly answered. A year ago, I asked the Lord to make me a part of something that would get me out of my comfort zone. A response was quick and to the point: minister to those Jesus would minister to. Jesus didn’t tour churches. He didn’t hang with the rich, the classy, and the educated. He wanted to teach the lost and the confused.

Since this request, a small group of adults from our church visits our local jail once a month to talk to the inmates about Jesus and how He has worked in our lives. Two years ago, I would have thought this idea was crazy. But, I asked. He gave.

Within the last month I asked: “Lord, how is it that some can get in front of a crowd at church and look calm?” Well, several weeks ago at our Easter service, I was asked to give a cardboard testimony. It’s as simple as it sounds. My testimony – shortened from a book down to several words that fit onto a sheet of paper no bigger than a television screen. I stood in front of over 500 people in our congregation that day baring my soul. I asked. He gave.

And, most recently, within the last week, I asked the Lord for direction in a relationship of mine that has been struggling for years. Did you see that – YEARS. And do you know what I did (because He nudged me)? I asked this person to go on a walk with me. After years of issues, months of miscommunications, and lots of conversations that have led us nowhere, the Lord answered a simple request. I asked. He gave.

As I age, I am understanding more that God wants to answer my prayers that mean something to Him, not just to me. Really, what does He get out of a money tree growing in my yard (yes, I have prayed for this!) or my daughter’s team winning their soccer game! But, He does get satisfaction knowing that I am out of my comfort zone, sharing His word with others, and restoring friendships.

Now ask. He'll give.

Dear Lord, thank you for answering our prayers, even when we are not quite sure that we should have asked for them. Thank you for helping us become more of who You made us to be, and less of the worldly woman that sometimes we would rather be. Lord, we could never fully understand your Way or understand your giving to us as You did on the Cross, but for that, we are so very thankful and grateful. Father, help us to remain your servants, and do so with grace and pleasure and dignity. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Application: Are you struggling in your prayer life? Try some of these things to help “spice up” your prayer life!
*Too busy? Pray on your way to or from work.
*Not good at praying? Just pray the Word.
*Don’t know who to pray for? Just close your eyes and the Lord will give you a name.
*Need something new? Try a new location: think, “prayer-chair”. Who says you can’t be comfy while praying?
*Need a prayer warrior? Ask a friend, a spouse, or a child to pray for you.

Power Verses:
Psalm 17:6, "I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer."(NIV)
Philippians 4:6-7, "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
Proverbs 2:6, "For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."