I believe that too often we ask God for something and expect that it will be given. In fact, the verse below from Jesus is an example of what is used to justify or go against that very concept.
“7Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” — Matthew 7:7 (ESV)
There is much more to the asking of God for Him to give or provide. I have to be fully devoted and committed to Him with all my heart and then He will act accordingly.
“4Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” — Psalm 37:4-5 (ESV)
In the verses above, I see what it is that leads to the being given or provided by God. I have to delight in the LORD and commit to Him and then he will give and act. It is not just about asking, I have to fully commit to Him and then He will take action with regard to the desire of my heart.
God’s action is dependent on my action. I have to act with conviction to the LORD and then He will act in response to my action accordingly. Without my commitment to Him, I may not receive. Notice my words, “may not” receive. God will provide that which I need at all times. He will ensure that I have that which is required to fulfill His work. I will not “need” for anything. It is the desires that I may not “need” that will be waning without my commitment to Him. I have to be “in it to win it”, to use a saying, in order that God will act and give me the desires of my heart.
What have you asked for from God that you may not have received? Are you asking from your heart? What if you were to delight and commit and trust in Him and ask for that which is in your heart?
Trevor's Thoughts 