HIS WORDS

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

Wholly Dependent

 HIS EXAMPLE TO US

Matthew 5-7 is the eloquent presentation of the Father’s will known as the Sermon on the Mount given to those who would listen and desire to follow Jesus.

In Jesus’ instructions in the Sermon on the Mount—sandwiched between overwhelming instructions not to judge, being watchful not to give what is holy to the dogs, not to cast your pearls before swine, and narrow is the gate to heaven—is this precious, personal invitation to depend on Him wholly, with instructions to ask, seek and knock.

Jesus knew for those who believe in Him and desire to follow His instructions, our only hope of obedience in these things is to be wholly dependent on Him, and ask, seek, and knock.

Ask: to call on for an answer, to strongly request.

Seek: to go in search of, to try to discover using effort.

Knock: to make an insistent noise to be heard, an insistent sign of importance.

Jesus prayed to the Father for hours on several occasion, thereby being an example to us of our need to do the same.

MY STORY

We’ve had some difficult family events that require much wisdom and patience. I know our only hope of handling things in a Christlike way is by His constant help and guidance. He indeed has been extremely faithful and miraculously things have fallen into place beyond expectation. I love the sweetness of His meeting us with perfect answers when we’ve waited patiently and not reacted to others’ difficult opinions or expectations. It’s not over yet, but I have a sense of expectancy because I know “He works all things for good for those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). I can’t wait to see the outcome, because He is faithful.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

 MY RESPONSE

I love the Lord and desire to follow Him more than anything else, but also know what a loser I am without His constant help. I have no discernment and share things I’m not supposed to, if I don’t ask for wisdom first; I judge others and jump to conclusions by their actions or past failures, if I don’t seek His counsel. I know my great need and am in awe of His great love and willingness to respond when I’ve asked, sought after Him, and knocked relentlessly for His intervention.

 “To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever!” (Ephesians 3:21)

 MY PRAYER

“Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example and willingness to respond in our need. May we remember in all things to ask, seek, and knock to see Your perfect will happen. In Your wonderful name, Amen.”