Just Ask

When my children were younger, I took great pride in knowing their needs before they asked. And I don’t mean the essential needs that are necessary for survival... I’m talking about those other needs, that I could often tell they were trying to figure out exactly how to ask for.

You know what I’m talking about Moms, right? The backpack that’s only in stock at that one store that’s 25 minutes away. Or the running shoes that have to be special ordered and are guaranteed to take time off your 100 yard dash. Needs, right? Okay maybe not life or death needs, but in a child’s world; items necessary to manage school supplies with style or what's required to be a standout after making the track team. 

My pride was most evident when they would ask for something, only to find out it was already unexpectedly waiting for them in their rooms. Many times they didn’t have to ask. We would just surprise them and give it, but there were other times when the ask was necessary and their faith in asking would make my heart swell. 

While our word tells us that our God is aware of every single need we have, even before we ask  (Matthew 6:8), it also encourages us to ask (1 John 5: 14-15 and James 4:2-3). 

I want to always remind Him how completely dependent I am on Him!!!

"Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
Matthew 6:8, NIV 

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him."
1 John 5:14-15, NIV

"You do not have because you do not ask God."
James 4:2 (b), NIV