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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More Than I Asked For - Martin Wiles

If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Luke 6:38 NLT

I asked for a burger but received much more. 

On one particular day, my wife and I stopped by a local burger joint to pick up our supper. The only thing special about our order is that our daughter’s BLT wasn’t supposed to have mayonnaise. As I enjoyed my burger, I noticed something protruding that was different in color than the green shredded lettuce. I pulled it out and discovered a piece of aluminum foil. 

Not one to be grossed out by such things, I kept eating. Later, as our daughter sat down to eat her BLT, she remarked, “There is mayonnaise on my sandwich. I didn’t ask for that” With a typical sarcastic quip, I remarked, “That’s okay. I got more than I asked for as well.” 

According to the verse, Jesus is in the business of giving more than we ask for…but there are sometimes stipulations involved. Regardless, the verse reminds me that God’s resources are unlimited. I can’t outgive God. Whatever I give, He can seize it, press it, mold it, shake it—and do whatever else He does, and produce more than I can imagine. 

My lack of faith is the only limitation to what God can do. His actions are connected to my actions. If I have faith as small as a mustard seed, I can move mountains. Since I’ve never moved a mountain, I suppose what I might consider as large faith is really small in God’s sight. 

Since God is more than willing to transform what I give, my paucity must be the result of several possibilities. Sometimes God doesn’t give because I don’t ask, because I ask with the wrong motives, or because I doubt God will give me what I ask for. 

In spite of my failures when it comes to giving or asking from God, He often overlooks my lack of faith or my weak faith and gives me more than I request—just as the burger joint gave me aluminum foil when I only asked for lettuce. That’s because God is a good, loving, and kind heavenly Father. Parents often give children things they don’t deserve, and God does the same. Whatever He gives will be for my good and His glory. 

Have you praised God lately for giving you more than you asked for?

Prayer: Father, we thank You for Your many gifts—none of which we actually deserve. 

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