In today's Gospel (John 16:23b-28), Jesus said, "Ask and you will receive, and so your joy will be complete."
The Lord knows the deepest desires of our hearts, doesn't He? So why bother to still ask? If He is already aware of our needs even before we tell Him, why do we still need to ask?
Jesus encourages us to ask because:
(1) it is a sign of humility
(2) it is an act of faith
(3) it determines the level of relationship that we have with God
I. Asking as a sign of humility
To ask is to acknowledge that we don't know everything and that we don't have everything. We ask because we know something is lacking in us. We ask for directions because we feel lost and don't know where we're heading. We ask for prayers from other people because we know we are weak and we need as much prayers as we can get. We ask because we're humble enough to admit that we are nothing before our Mighty King.
II. Asking as an act of faith
We ask favors from people we trust. I remember a story of an SFC couple coordinator. One morning, in the middle of summer, his daughter asked him to bring home "puto bumbong". It's a Filipino delicacy famous during the Christmas season. When he got home that evening, his daughter greeted him and said, "Daddy, thank you for my puto bumbong," even without knowing yet if his father was actually able to bring her what she requested. That is faith. Asking for something from the people we trust, knowing that our request would be granted in time. Because they can't say no to us. Because they love us. And though we know that God may not always give us exactly what we requested, we still dare to ask in faith because we are confident that He would answer all our prayers in the way that is best for us. Simply because we are His dearly beloved sons and daughters.
III. Asking as a measure of relationship
Needless to say, we only ask favors from people we have a certain degree of relationship with. And the magnitude of our request depends on the level of relationship that we have with them. On my way back to Manila from Iloilo, I knew I needed some help. I was on an evening flight carrying more than 20 kilos of baggage including 2 laptops and some other materials for live streaming. I called up Kuya Mel and asked if he could fetch me at the airport. Gladly, he said yes. I was able to ask him because he's already a brother to me. I needed a substitute speaker for the CLP talk tomorrow because I need to attend to an urgent call of duty. I asked the members of my household and thank God someone responded with a "yes." I was able to ask them because I have a relationship with them. I know that they would understand and that they won't take it against me because they know me too. Asking God tells Him that we acknowledge His role in our lives as Father, Provider, Protector, Lover, Everything and Everyone that we need. We express our trust in the loving relationship that we have with Him: Father-Child; Groom-Bride.
Today (it's still the 16th anyway), a dear sister celebrates her birthday. She wrote on my planner that she wants me to write something about her in my blog. And because she is truly an "ate" (big sister) to me, a friend, and a co-missionary, here is that special blog post on her birthday. :) Kinda late though because I had a busy day. But better late than never, right? :D
And so, because you asked for it, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ATE AMOR! :)
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I honor you for your servant's heart and for daring to ask. :) May the good Lord grant your desires in His most perfect time. I will always be your prayer partner. I love you and I thank God for you! ♥
Needless to say, we only ask favors from people we have a certain degree of relationship with. And the magnitude of our request depends on the level of relationship that we have with them. On my way back to Manila from Iloilo, I knew I needed some help. I was on an evening flight carrying more than 20 kilos of baggage including 2 laptops and some other materials for live streaming. I called up Kuya Mel and asked if he could fetch me at the airport. Gladly, he said yes. I was able to ask him because he's already a brother to me. I needed a substitute speaker for the CLP talk tomorrow because I need to attend to an urgent call of duty. I asked the members of my household and thank God someone responded with a "yes." I was able to ask them because I have a relationship with them. I know that they would understand and that they won't take it against me because they know me too. Asking God tells Him that we acknowledge His role in our lives as Father, Provider, Protector, Lover, Everything and Everyone that we need. We express our trust in the loving relationship that we have with Him: Father-Child; Groom-Bride.
Today (it's still the 16th anyway), a dear sister celebrates her birthday. She wrote on my planner that she wants me to write something about her in my blog. And because she is truly an "ate" (big sister) to me, a friend, and a co-missionary, here is that special blog post on her birthday. :) Kinda late though because I had a busy day. But better late than never, right? :D
And so, because you asked for it, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ATE AMOR! :)
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P.S. Sa susunod, mas mahaba na. Sorry, di masyadong prepared e. :D
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My big message: Dare to ask. You may not get the answers that you want, but at least you'll know. Don't burden yourself with "what if's." Ask and you will receive God's perfect answer, the best answer that you need. :)
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