By Mike Chaffin
And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Matthew 20:32
Sometimes we just need to start a conversation with God by asking for mercy. That is what these two blind men did as Jesus walked past them on the road out of Jericho. Asking for mercy is good, but it is a blanket ask. Jesus wants us to have mercy, and more. He is interested in our specific needs.
These men who cried out for mercy were blind. Jesus could see they were blind. When they cried out for mercy Jesus gave it to them. The mercy was stopping and asking His question to them. He didn’t suppose or guess what they wanted. They had to ask.
God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He asked a similar question of Solomon after being anointed king.
7 On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?” 8 And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place… 10 Now give me wisdom and knowledge, … 2 Chronicles 1:7-8, 10
Solomon is considered the wisest man who ever lived. God granted him wisdom and knowledge and with that a whole lot of other blessings.
Jesus told us to ask, and we shall receive so that our joy may be full. However, He wasn’t telling us to ask for a winning lottery ticket. James told us as much in his letter chastising those who were asking for the wrong things.
You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:2-3
Asking for the wrong things, or more things, isn’t something God is interested in hearing from us. Praying for our needs, and the needs of others is compelling to God. He hears these prayers and answers.
The men who cried out to Jesus asked for their sight to be restored. Solomon asked for wisdom so he could govern rightly. These are things we can ask for. Jesus heals and restores. He leads us beside the still waters and refreshes our souls. God says yes to righteous requests. He is all over wanting to meet our needs.
Sometimes we may feel like He didn’t hear our prayer. Answered prayer is in God’s timing. Many of those in the faith hall of fame (Hebrews 11), never saw an earthly answer to their prayer, but their faith in God carried them through to an eternal reward.
However, sin may be blocking a request. Get right with God then make your petition. Continue to praise Him and have faith for an answer.
Contemplation: What is it that I need to ask God for? Is there a reason God won’t hear my prayers?
