If you’re a parent, you know how good it feels to give your child something they wanted so badly that they cried when it was given to them. I’ve known kids who couldn’t hold back their tears when their parents decided to surprise them with the gift of a puppy or kitten. It was pure joy for everybody, so God wants us to ask for things. He wants us to know what he provides and to experience that pure joy.
God also wants us to know His limitless power in answering our prayers. Matthew 7:11 NIV says If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Asking God to direct our desires and provide for us gives us peace, increases our faith, and brings Him pleasure.
So, why do some people ask so little of God? God wants us to think BIG, to ask BIG, to expect BIG! If our motives are right and aligned with God’s Word, He will give us what we ask. The problem is usually not how big the ask is, but how we limit God because we ask and expect so little of Him. God wants to give us stadium-size dreams, but we’re stuck in the dugout. When God first told me I would have a ministry, I had no idea how big God’s plans were for me. Before I could get “out of the dugout,” God had to prepare me for His purpose. Who knew God’s plan for me was to write books, preach, and offer my praise with original music He put in my heart?
God’s plans for our lives are so much bigger than we could ever ask for, but that doesn’t mean He doesn’t want us to ask. There are a few other important things to remember when we ask God for something. The first is all about faith—believing God is capable and willing to answer our prayers. The second thing is to remember to thank God for His blessings. Philippians 4:6 NIV tells us Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
As you ask God for your needs and wants, remember that our timing is not God’s timing, and be thankful for that as well. When we try to rush things, we often fail to experience the fullness of God’s promise. The same holds true if we don’t have the faith to go the distance and wait on God. When we quit before God is finished, we don’t receive His full blessing. Timing is everything!
So, does God know what you need and want? Of course! Does He want us to experience the joy of receiving His blessings? Absolutely! So ask away, and remember to ask big and know that God is capable of giving big, believe in His power, and thank Him for His many blessings.