Ask and Receive - Martin Wiles

When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” 2 Kings 2:9 NLT

If we all joined, we would get to wear jeans for a week, and we would receive a ten-dollar gift card to Chic-fil-a.

I had worked with her for seven years, but I never knew what a fundraiser she was. A new school year had just begun when the emails started. Jan was an elementary teacher who oversaw a push to get teachers to join the Booster Club. Not having children at the school, I had never thought of joining the club, but I did know the funds helped the school do several things related to athletics.

Every few days, her emails came, telling how many teachers from each school had joined. When it appeared my joining or not joining would be the deciding factor for the jeans and gift card, I made the decision to join. Jan asked repeatedly—and she received. All teachers from each school eventually came on board.

Elisha asked too. God was about to take the prophet Elijah to heaven in a unique way. Somehow, Elisha knew. But before Elijah left, Elisha asked him for a double portion of his spirit. It was a tall request, but Elijah told Elisha if he saw him taken up into heaven, then God had granted the request.

God has more in store for us than we can ever imagine. Sometimes, we may think our requests are ludicrous—or even beyond God’s ability to grant—but God hears each one and has the power to fulfill each one. Asking is always the right thing to do—with qualifications.

We must make our petitions with faith, believing God can do what we ask of Him. This also involves expecting an answer. If we don’t think God will answer, why bother asking? But our motives are important. We’re human, and sometimes we ask with impure motives. Selfishness. Greed, Pleasure.

God also has a perfect plan for us that involves thousands of details along the way. Although we can’t know all the information, God does, and His Spirit will prompt us to ask according to what will move us along God’s journey for us. Jesus asked for His Father’s will to be done regarding the crucifixion. We should follow His example.

Whatever God’s answers to our petitions—whether we like them or not—we must accept God’s will. Doing so guides us into a joyful and peaceful life we can’t experience in any other way.

So, go ahead. Ask in faith and see what happens.

Prayer: Father, we make our petitions to You believing You will answer them according to Your will. 

Tweetable: Are you receiving what you ask for? 

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