The Power of Asking
Opening Message – The Power of Asking
I want to tell y’all a little story, one that happened just today. My son and I were driving down I-20, heading west to Tallulah, Louisiana, to visit my sister and her little ones. The music was playing, and we were vibing, him in his world, me in mine. I was listening to Charity Gayle’s Sweetest Name I Know, just getting lost in the worship. Then, I turned to my boy and asked, “Is there anything you’d like to listen to?”
His response? “Yes, Dad, I was waiting on you to ask.”
Man, the moment he said that, my mind went straight to something my mother always told me growing up: Never be afraid to ask; the worst thing they can tell you is no. That phrase stuck with me, and it hit even harder in that moment. I glanced over at my son and asked, “What’s the worst thing I would say?” Without hesitation, he replied, “No.”
“You’re right,” I told him. And that led us into a conversation about something much deeper, God’s promises.
That exchange made me think of Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV):
“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.”
How many of us are out here waiting, just like my son was? Waiting for God to ask us what we need, waiting for the perfect moment, waiting for a sign. But the truth is, God already gave us permission to ask. He’s not some distant figure, sitting back with His arms crossed, waiting for us to get everything together before we approach Him. He says, Come to me. Ask me. Seek me. And yet, so often, we hesitate. Why? Fear? Doubt? Maybe we’re scared of getting a “no” from God, just like my son feared hearing it from me.
But here’s the thing; God doesn’t just throw out no’s for no reason. He answers according to His perfect will. Sometimes, we get the yes we’ve been praying for. Other times, He redirects us to something better. And sometimes, He tells us to wait because He’s got something far greater in store.
I used to be the type to struggle with asking. I let pride, fear, and even shame keep me from bringing my needs before God. I thought, I should be able to handle this on my own. I don’t want to bother Him with this. But the reality? That kind of thinking kept me distant from my Father, the very One who longs for His children to come to Him.
So, I want to challenge you today: What are you waiting for? What’s that thing on your heart that you’ve been hesitant to bring to God? Are you waiting for Him to bring it up first? Are you worried He’ll say no?
Remember, asking isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of faith.
And faith is exactly what moves mountains.
Faith in Action: Asking Boldly, Trusting Fully
How often do we hesitate to ask God for what we need? Maybe we’re afraid of disappointment, or maybe we don’t believe we’re worthy of His blessings. But Scripture reminds us, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7, NIV).
This week, challenge yourself to come before God boldly in prayer. Not just with small requests but with the big ones, the ones that scare you. Lay your needs before Him with confidence, knowing that if it aligns with His will, He will answer in His perfect time.
Take a step further: Write down the promises of God that you’re holding onto. Speak them over your life daily. Walk in expectation, knowing that your Father is listening.
Closing Statement: Holding Onto His Promises
Just like my mother’s words stayed with me, God’s promises are written for us to remember, trust, and live by. He doesn’t tell us to ask just to ignore us; He tells us to ask because He is a good Father who provides.
So, as you go about your week, don’t be afraid to come before God with an open heart. Bring your hopes, your needs, and even your doubts. Because the worst He’ll ever say is not yet, but He will never stop listening, loving, and leading you in His perfect plan.
