Ask

My oldest son is spending his senior year of high school at Bethel University where I work and teach. It’s a great opportunity to finish high school and earn college credit at the same time. It is also a great opportunity for us to have some quality discussions on the days he is stuck riding with me.

He’s a deep thinker who still sees the world largely in black and white. I see it as my job to show him the gray to which he generally rolls his eyes and looks at me like I’m crazy, or I just don’t understand what he means. Yesterday we were talking about asking God for things, and I got the look.

He was sharing his concern for a family member a person who’s faith has been on a bit of a rollercoaster over the years. I told him that I don’t worry about that because God has it under control. Then I added, “He told me.” He responded with a loud, “What?” He instantly wanted the whole story. So, here it is.

I was sitting in a large auditorium, about 10 years ago, waiting for worship to begin. I was praying for this family member when “someone” whispered in my ear, “He will start coming.” I turned my head to look for the “someone,” but no one was there. I instantly knew that God was answering my prayer in a profound and personal way with a promise. I have continued to pray and claim that promise since.

So, my son thought I was nuts on one hand and wanted to believe it on the other. I invited him to pray and claim the promise, as well. I reminded him that God keeps his promises, and even though we don’t know when it will happen, it will happen.

He left the car perplexed and still thinking I’m crazy. Then while I was in the kitchen and he was in his room, he sent me a texts that said, “Maybe you aren’t crazy. Here is the verse of the day.”

23-24 “This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks! (John 16:23-24 MSG).

You could call that a coincidence. I call it God intimately caring for His precious children. I call it God’s deep love of relationship. I call it God’s desire that we ask, so he can give and we will be filled with joy.

I have to admit I had gotten a little slack in my prayers around this. A simple conversation in the car has reignited my prayers, my commitment and my joy. How is God responding to your asks? How is He showing you his care? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.

2 thoughts on “Ask

  1. I love the “black and white” thinkers/believers. They are the ones that keep the “grey” thinkers from straying too far. I have a doubting Thomas (literally) and he is very black and white in his thought process. God says “be hot or cold, but don’t be lukewarm, I spit out lukewarm”.. there is a huge literal translation of that saying that would make a tremendous sermon one day – but the gist of this is that this world needs those thinkers who aren’t sitting on the fence and willing to say it. Plus you know I have prayed for this particular kid for years…. just sayin’…..

    1. That is a great point. He does keep me on my toes. Keep praying for him. It’s a journey of a lifetime :0)

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