I recall hearing it since I was a child: just ask.
It came up recently, as I read Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 20. The mother of James and John, disciples of Jesus, asked that her sons be granted positions of authority in Jesus’ kingdom. At first, I hid my face in my hands at the embarrassment her sons must’ve felt; it was like their mom was asking their boss for a promotion on their behalf. Then Mark tells in his Gospel that James and John themselves asked this incredulously audacious favor. Scholars claim the mother was the sister of Jesus’ mother. Was she pulling rank with Jesus by playing the “family card”? I’ll admit I was turned off by the entire family’s sense of entitlement and sheer guts to ask such a thing. I realize they didn’t understand what they were asking; Jesus’ kingdom was not about status or striving to be Chairman of the Board. Still, some people have all the nerve.
But as I thought about it, I wondered what prevents me from making courageously bold asks?
Depending on which Bible translation you read, the word “ask” is referenced upwards of 750+ times in the Scriptures. You’ve likely heard multiple sermons on Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you.” In Psalm 2:8, the Lord says, “Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” James 4:2 tells us, “You do not have because you do not ask God.” It seems to me like someone is trying to make a point.
So, I ask myself (see what I did there?), Am I too proud to ask—as men are often accused of, especially regarding directions? Or am I not expecting or believing, doubting that God is able, or that He shouldn’t be bothered with my grandiose inquiry? Am I simply unaware of what’s available or of what’s possible? Am I limited by my imagination or creativity? Am I afraid of asking for the wrong thing, settling for my small-minded ask while God has bigger and better plans and hopes for me? Do I fear rejection? What if I get what I’m asking for; do I know what I’ll be getting myself into? Could this put me out of my comfort zone? And, besides, what will others think if they find out I’m making such outlandish asks?
I think I’m pretty good at asking—perhaps not always asking for the right thing or asking the right question, but I am asking. Besides, Matthew 6:8 (NIV) states that “your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (emphasis supplied). Sometimes, I wonder why I should even need to ask.
First, I encourage you not to write this off as “name-it-and-claim-it” gibberish. The Scripture is unequivocal. Matthew 7:7–8 (NIV) are genius steps toward getting results: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
When you ask, you must believe and trust that the answer is available.
When you seek, you’re taking action; step toward that ask. Don’t sit idly by!
When you knock, you’ve arrived at a door! That’s progress; even if it isn’t the rightdoor, it often leads us in a better, more promising direction to the right door; so don’t stop knocking!
Do yourself a favor. Do it for people who believe in you. Do it for your Maker who knows your full potential: boldly ask!
