ASK, SEEK, KNOCK
“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. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him.”
Matthew 7:7-11 (NLT)
Do you ever feel like giving up? I know I do. There are days when I’m mentally, emotionally and spiritually exhausted. Nothing seems to be going my way; every relationship that I value is strained, and I feel incredibly disconnected from God. On those days, the path of least resistance looks awfully inviting.
But God.
But God is working in your waiting. But God is still faithful. But God is still for you and not against you. But God longs to bless you and shower His favor upon you. But God is on the verge of doing something you can’t even begin to imagine in your life. Don’t give up!
Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. Jesus is faithful, and what He says in this passage from the Sermon on the Mount is still true today. The timing may not be what we desire. We want what we want when we want it, which usually is five minutes ago. Patience may be a virtue, but it’s also a fruit of the Spirit. And we must persevere in Jesus’ name! Not long ago, at our Breakthrough weekend, guest speaker Brian Heasley encouraged us to cultivate the art of perseverance. Let’s do it!
Consider what God’s Word says in Hebrews 12:12-13 (NLT): So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
Brother in Christ, sister in Christ—we have a good Father. Trust Him. Keep asking, seeking, and knocking.
APPLICATION: What are you asking God for right now? Document it—record your prayers in a journal or note on your phone. As you continue to pray, be sure to come back and document where you’ve seen Him move on your behalf.
PRAYER: Father, I believe, help me in my unbelief. Help me not rely on my strength but remember that in my weakness, You are strong. Grant me patience and perseverance. I know you’re working all things together for my good and Your glory. Help my faith to grow. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?