“You may ask for anything in my name and I will do it.”( John chapter 14, verse 14). This verse confirms to us as Christians that not only can God do anything, but we have the right to ask him for anything.
The question is, where do we draw the line? And what happens when we stop asking and start demanding?
Trusting God
As followers of God we know how important it is to trust Him in all circumstances, and to have faith in his plans for our lives. Because like any loving father, God only wants the best for us.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.”( Jeremiah chapter 29, verse 11).
We also know that bad things such as illnesses and tragedies are not from God and that He has the power to fix those situations. But if we trust His plan for our lives should we even be asking Him to fix all of our problems? Or should we just trust His plans and ask for strength and guidance instead?
Asking God
The bible frequently mentions how incredible and mighty Gods power is an how nothing can compare to Him. “I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all Gods” (Psalm chapter 135, verse 5).
But there are also examples of people who asked God for things, simply for selfish reasons. In the times of Jesus, many people were trying to heal others or replicate the miracles that He performed simply to try and convince others that Jesus was a fraud and that the miracles that He performed weren't real.
But because of the motives behind their requests, obviously they were unsuccessful. “You brood of vipers! How can you who are evil, say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Matthew chapter 12, verse 24).
Respecting God
I have had plenty of times where I have wanted to ask God to sort my problems out or give me what I want. When I've been sick or faced disappointments, I have wondered why God didn't answer my prayers the way I wanted Him too.
But then I reminded myself that it is not God's job to make my life perfect and give me everything I ask for. Because if He did that, then I would forget how much I needed Him.
It was my job to trust His process and ask for strength and understanding rather than expect a perfect life. “You don't understand now what I am doing, but later you will” (John chapter 13, verse 7).
“God is not a genie in a bottle and your wish is not his command. His command better be your wish.” This quote by American pastor Mark Batterson is a timely reminder of the importance of respecting God's will for your life and focusing on serving Him rather than expecting Him to serve you.
Because regardless of the fact that we as Christians know that God can heal any illness or raise the dead, do we have the right to demand these things from Him?
So I leave you with this final thought. Be aware of what you ask God for and what you ask Him to do for you. Because at the end of the day, we owe Him more than He owes us and our job is to serve and praise Him and not to demand things.
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians chapter 5, verse 18).