Do You Ever Forget to Ask?

by Ann Musico
(Wallkill, NY)

Ephesians 3:20 NIV Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
James 4:2 NKJV …Yet you do not have because you do not ask.

Do you think God cares about the things that concern you? Do you truly, with every fiber of your being believe He does? I definitely do and I want to share a story to illustrate why. Maybe it will encourage you.

I try to lift any and all needs – large and small - in prayer. I’m great at praying for someone when they ask specifically or even if they just mention a problem or need – I’m on it! However, sometimes I don’t even think to bring an issue to God. Yes, I know we are to bring every need and concern to Him. Maybe you do what I sometimes do and did last summer. Let me share:

My brother got tickets to a Mets game for me and my three children. It was a night game. Not a problem, except I am a really early riser and my body is so used to being up very early, that by 8:30 or 9:00 pm my eyes are at half-mast most times. I mentioned to my husband and kids – half jokingly, but truly, only half - that I hoped I could stay awake. You see we will take a train from upstate NY into the city to meet my oldest son and go to the stadium in Queens from there. If the game is over at 9 or 10 o’clock we most likely will not get back to the train station until at least 1 am. Waaaay past my usual bedtime!

Anyway – I mentioned my concern several times and they all thought it was hilarious that mom would probably be the one struggling to keep her eyes open on the train (a slightly scary thought for me, actually).

We were watching another game on TV the Saturday before and at the very end they mentioned the “games of the week” to be televised the following Saturday – the day we were going to Citi Field. They showed the Mets logo and my son saw they listed it as being televised at 4:00 pm. Really? He went on line and found that because they are televising it on that channel, the time was moved up to 4:00 pm instead of 7:00 as originally scheduled.

I don’t know about you – but I take things like this VERY personally! I was thrilled that the Lord would take into consideration my concern over such a minor and unimportant detail. And even though I didn't think to ask Him to rearrange the time, He still arranged for the game to take place earlier! You see, I have a very personal relationship with my Lord and I believe He pays attention to everything (and I do mean everything!) that concerns me! I couldn’t stop thanking Him for making this change for me. And I truly believe that is the case.

It also brought the wonderful scripture in Ephesians 3:20 to mind. I especially love the Amplified version: "Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the action of His power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and} do superabundantly, far over and above all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams}. Every version I looked at used words like “infinitely, immeasurably more than we can ask or request” and the Message Translation adds “in your wildest dreams.”

The Bible tells us we have not because we ask not and most times I do make it a point to ask. But how wonderful that even when I forget or just don’t even think to do it – He still knows and responds.

What does this have to do with health? Everything! To be healthy, truly healthy, is to be whole – spirit, soul and body. To go to God, in faith, not just believing mentally, but knowing beyond a doubt, that He not only hears you, but desires to help you, changes everything. Remember the leper in Matthew 8:2, 3 who came to Jesus saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus’ response is what we must keep in mind always:

“I am willing; be cleansed.”

It’s not just His will that we be healthy, healed and whole – but He desires to help us live this out! So, would you consider these questions:

Do you worry about things or do you bring them to God, confident that He hears you and will help you? Are there some problems you feel are too trivial to “bother” God with? Do you only feel “worthy” to approach Him if you feel you’ve been “good?” Or do you realize He is always willing?