I have learned a lot from my Nigerian brethren, and I’m trying to incorporate some of those things into my life. One of those things is in the area of asking.
I have a hard time asking for things. I suppose because I don’t want to be a bother. At the same time, I have a hard time in saying “no” when I’m asked to do something.
On one of my early visits to Nigeria, I was informed that the Nigerians will not hesitate to ask you for things, but neither will they be offended if you say no. I found that refreshing and freeing.
“Ask, and it will be given you.” Do you remember God saying that? He wants us to ask. He goes on to say, “You don’t receive because you don’t ask.”
On a visit to his home town, we are told that Jesus did not perform many miracles there because of their unbelief. The context indicates they had a problem in believing the little boy they watched grow up was actually the Messiah. So Jesus did not do many miracles because of their unbelief. Does that mean their unbelief kept them from asking?
A Gentile woman of great faith asked for her daughter to be healed and kept on asking, even in the face of rejection and insults. Jesus finally said to her, “Oh woman, great is your faith.” Her faith in who he was made her keep asking.
Maybe we should stop hoping people, and even God, will read our minds and start asking. First of all, people can’t read our minds. And while God can read our minds and already knows what we need even before we do, he still wants us to ask. Asking demonstrates faith.