Just Ask!

Today I had the remarkable experience of receiving what I hoped for in two situations where that outcome was unlikely. I was prepared to politely accept refusal, but I still had to ask.

I had purchased the econo-size of a food product which I didn’t realize was not what I wanted until I opened it. Great, I thought. Now I am stuck with an enormous quantity of something I don’t like! With a fine thread of hope, I returned to the store where I had purchased it, explaining that I had made the mistake because it was not on the shelf where it was supposed to be. Amazingly, the manager made the exchange without even asking to see the receipt I offered!

I went from the store to garden centre where I had been short-changed by $20. Now that is something that is hard to prove. I approached the counter saying, “I hope that you think I have an honest face…” Wonder of all wonders, my money was returned to me after a quick browse through the computer revealed they had not balanced the day before. Sometimes you just have to ask for what you want.

Last evening a good friend shared that her daughter informed her that there is no point in her attending church anymore since she no longer believes in God. She told her mom that she has come to this conclusion because God never answers her prayers. That amazed me, because I know this young woman has a great life, overflowing with successes and blessings. I wondered what she’s been asking God for that he hasn’t given her.

Jesus’ half-brother James said this:

… you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. (James 4:2,3)

Sometimes we just have to ask! And sometimes we have to ask ourselves, Why do I really want this?

Our God wants the best for us. We can go to him to ask for anything. But like a loving parent, he will say no sometimes. Always for our benefit. So go ahead and ask – but then trust him with the outcome.