Just Ask

Whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give to you.  Until now you have asked nothing in my name.  ASK, and you will receive, that your JOY may be full.

I was the oldest child in my family.  When it came time for Christmas, I had more awareness of my parents’ abilities to provide certain gifts or toys.  I would often ask only for things that I felt fit within those financial parameters.  I would tend to ask only for things that I needed – like a pair of pants or a dress.

My younger sister, on the other hand, would often be extravagant in her Christmas wishes.  One year she asked for a piano keyboard, and I was surprised to see her request waiting for her on Christmas morning – even though she didn’t play piano like I did or even participate in music to the extent I did.  I was flabbergasted (yes, this word definitely defines my emotions that Christmas!).

You see, my sister had simply asked.  She dreamed and hoped and asked without worry about how my parents would provide.  With childlike faith, she trusted them with her request, while I “pretended” to be mature and only request the necessary.  So, I only received the needed thing.

In John 16:23-24, we see the power of the Ask.  Yet, we sometimes walk as firstborn children who “pretend” to be mature and only anticipate what God is probably going to do.  Instead of complete healing, we ask for a good doctor and good medicine.  Instead of a new car, we pray for money to fix the old one.  Instead of asking for fulfillment of a ministry dream, we only wish to be used right where we are.  Instead of a peaceful home, we simply ask for strength to make it through one more day.

What would happen if we were like children – asking without considering how it would appear?  Trusting the dreams in our hearts were from Him?  Believing that the impossible is possible?

John 16:24 states that we receive what we ask so that our joy will be FULL.  That word “full” is defined by Strong’s Concordance to mean “to cram” or “to level up.”  The Amplified Bible adds the word “complete” to the verse.

We need to know that God wants to make our joy full, complete, crammed to the top.  He wants to give us whatever we ask.

It is not just John 16 that talks about asking, we can find the power of the Ask all over the Bible:  1 Kings 3, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalms 2, Isaiah 7, Matthew 7, Matthew 18, Matthew 21, Luke 11, Mark 11, John 14-15, Ephesians 3, James 1,  I John 3.   

As we enter the Christmas season, I challenge us to be like my younger sister.  Ask for the big thing from God.  Believe that He wants to make our joy full.  Stand on the promises of His Word.

Teach and encourage your children to Ask this holiday season.  Check out my post for Homeschooling During The Holidays.