Day 3: Ask, and Ye Shall Receive

So, this morning I woke up and started thinking about what I'd like to write about. Admittedly, I was at a loss... I have the entire Bible to choose a verse (or several verses) from, and I can't think come up with anything?! I racked my brain trying to think of a topic, but was coming up short. That's when it hit me: ask God. So I asked Him, "Please put an idea in my head so that I have something to write about to praise you, Lord." Well, within a few minutes, he put several ideas in my head, all of which I verified via a passage look-up website. With so many topics, how can I choose? Well, how about asking God?

When I'm at a loss for anything--guidance, safety, confidence, words, strength, contentment, answers, patience--I turn to God. I've prayed many a prayer where I would say "please" about fifty times before actually getting to whatever it was I needed (usually one or more of the eight aforementioned things). Not only have I felt better after pouring my heart out to God, but I've always received what I asked Him for, although sometimes in very different ways.

So, today, I actually have two verses:

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
~Matthew 21:22

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
~John 16:24

First off, in Matthew, the verse says that as long as you believe in your heart that God will grant you what you ask Him in earnest for, you'll get it. Albeit it probably won't be in your time, for God's plan overrides everybody else's. And why shouldn't it? He's God! He created the universe and everything in it, including each person individually! If there is anyone out there who thinks he or she can do a better job, they're certifiable. I mean, I can barely keep my own tasks organized let alone take care of the billions and billions of other people on the planet. Wow, thinking about that just proves (in part) how awesome God is. Unfathomable.

Second, is the verse from John. If you don't ask for something in His name, then you're not going to get it. God created everything, He controls everything--He's in charge. If you don't ask Him, then you don't have a snowball's chance of getting it.

Even if you ask for something, but it's not a part of God's plan, then you don't need it. Like I said yesterday, it just means that something (or someone) better is waiting for you.

Today, I ask what I usually ask for--blessings for my family and friends, and the less-fortunate, and protection for those who defend this country. I ask and that You, Lord, forgive me of my sins, and bless me with patience and confidence. Please give me the right words to say and the strength to say them. And may You guide and shape me into the person you want me to be. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.