January 11, 2010
Matthew 7
Pastor Jeff Allen
I remember asking my parents for all kinds of things when I was a child, from a bicycle for Christmas to candy almost every day. Maybe you remember asking a parent for something as well.
These days, I hear my daughters ask for things too. While I learned as a child that persistence could be very helpful in identifying the true desire of my heart, I’ve figured out what my daughters really want also. They don’t beg, but when I see something that I think is a good gift and hear them mention it several times - I know it’s the one.
In Matthew 7:7-11, we read Jesus’ teaching about asking God persistently, and how He gives good gifts. The bottom line is that God is good and loves blessing us with good gifts, just as parents enjoy blessing their children. I’m not talking about begging God, since there is a distinct difference between asking God persistently with the correct attitude and begging Him like a spoiled brat.
Yet I wonder - if we were more persistent in asking God for our desires instead of asking one time and being discouraged, what would happen to our faith and the quality of our relationship with Him? We wouldn’t get everything we want, because not everything is good for us. However, I think that it may help to recognize that God loves us enough to give us the desires of our hearts.
So keep asking. You never know how God may want to demonstrate His love for you!
Jeff Allen oversees “The Studio” ministry to 3rd, 4th and 5th graders.
