Power in Asking
Ask and it will be given to you.
~Matthew 7:7 ESV
Having two daughters in their twenties, my wife and I knew the day would eventually come. A young man knocked on our door and presented a question to me. A sense of power inhabits hearing someone asking permission for my daughter’s hand in marriage. It was the next logical step in their relationship. But the surprising part is that this is still a thing. Our soon-to-be son-in-law impressed me by asking first to ensure he could proceed with popping the question to our daughter.
The Marriage Proposal
My baby girl said yes, setting into motion many new experiences, which included wedding plans that included finding the perfect venue, looking for a house, and finding all the furnishings to go with it.
An adage says, “It is easier to beg forgiveness than ask permission.” In many situations, this may not be sound advice. It might lead to trouble and regret.
Asking for permission puts power in the hands of the person being asked and involves trust in someone who has authority over the specific situation. Therefore, asking for permission isn’t just a social courtesy. It is a spiritual discipline reflecting humility, respect, and a desire to align ourselves under God’s authority. Asking with God’s will and approval demonstrates that we recognize His power and authority over us.
The Prayer Proposal
Asking God for something when we ask with the right motives poses no problem. Yet, sometimes we are afraid to ask Him. We imagine He’s too busy or our request is too trivial. Scripture says otherwise.
You do not have because you do not ask . . . or you ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly.
~James 4:2-3 ESV
Delight yourselves in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
~Psalm 37:4 ESV
Therefore, when you do this, make sure those desires fall under a godly reason for the asking.
Ask God to give you the desires of your heart.
Holy God, as I strive to delight in You, I think of things I must ask of You. Let my asking and my motives be pure. May they align with Your perfect will for me and the good of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Genre: Non-fiction
Copyright 2025: Power in Asking: Ben Cooper: All Rights Reserved
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