Let’s take a second look at asking. We have two children in college. One happily asks us to spring for things. The other often pays her own way, even for expenses we would gladly cover. I know she wants to be independent, but she’s trying to cover expenses for which we’ve already made provision.

So, are you trying to cover something yourself? Have you asked for something, only to have God answer, and you refused? For me, one of the most humbling things about marriage has been finances. God graciously allowed me to stay home and raise our children. However, after a stint in the workforce, the transition to complete financial dependence on my husband put a pin in my pride balloon. Even now, God and I wrangle over costs for school and writing. I’ve learned the hard way to humble myself and to accept His provision, even though God’s source made me squirm.

Coming. Asking. Receiving. Why are they so hard? Let’s take a look:

Accountability: If we ask, we may not like God’s answer and then we’re stuck. Obey—or not. Yet an opportunity to obey presents an opportunity to grow. God honors and blesses obedience. Even the smallest steps. Luke 17:6 says, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.’’ And it takes faith to obey.

Dependence: To admit need goes against our American streak of independence. It’s even worse here in Texas where a pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps mentality prevails. Yet Scripture reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

Humility: To come, ask, and receive, we must admit that we are sheep and He’s the Shepherd. Sheep aren’t that bright. They’re defenseless. They get lost. They have no cool factor. Something in us wants to be Boss and we wince at our weakness. Peter tells us to embrace our inner sheep, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:5-6)

Yes, coming, asking, and receiving from God are tough. But what about NOT coming, NOT asking, NOT receiving? What do we lose when we keep our distance from Him? Click To Tweet

Are the control, the independence, and the pride worth it? Or are they costing more than you know?

Workout for the Week: Just Ask, Part 2

Memory Verse: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

Meditation Passage: John 1:10-13

Just Do It: Come, ask, receive.