Matthew 7:7

Michael Elliott Matthew 7:7

Ask, and it will be given to you: seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. From Life Principles Bible; New King James

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. From New Living Translations

These words of Jesus give me the strength to continue to seek God's will and to ask for His forgiveness and grace. As Dr. Lund mentioned in a recent sermon, Jesus is not stingy or tight-fisted with His grace and goodness. Jesus delights in showering us with good things, but we must ask and seek His goodness. Don't ask just once or twice. Be persistent and continue to pray for God's direction and blessings. We must also realize that what we ask for may not be what is best for us. God knows what we need. How many of us have asked for the sick to be cured, the poor to be feed and cared for, and other things that in our mind have not been answered? When we step back and prayerfully consider what God has done in answer to our prayers, we realize that God has answered our request in His own magnificent way. This often differs from our perception of what we expected. It is vital that as growing Christians we continue to commune with God. Let us pray without ceasing, making our concerns and wishes known to God. Be patient, however, and ready to wait for God's response. Listen and learn that His wisdom and understanding is limitless.

This verse gives us the assurance that God is listening when we dialogue with Him. God is generous and wants us to be in constant communication with him. It is through prayer that we gain the Holy Spirit and know the will of God in our lives.

Dear Lord, give me the wisdom to know what to ask for as I seek your will for my life. Steady my heart and open my ears to listen patiently for your answers. AMEN.