Never Give Up
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him.”
Matthew 7:7-9 (NLT)
Have you ever witnessed a child incessantly asking their parent for something? Maybe in your home, the grocery store cereal aisle, or somewhere random? They endeavor to wear their parents down with a remarkable, singular focus. Nothing else exists. Nothing else matters. They place every ounce of energy they have in their request.
They don’t give up, and neither should you.
Some days, it’s so easy to want to throw in the towel. You’ve asked God for that one thing for so long, and nothing has happened. You’re starting to believe that God doesn’t answer prayers or that if He does, then the answer in this instance is undoubtedly No. But sometimes, the answer is Wait. Be patient. Keep asking, seeking and knocking. God operates on His timetable, not ours.
If you’re a parent, you’re familiar with the joy of fulfilling your children’s requests. We delight in the delight of our children receiving blessings. How much more so does our heavenly Father experience this same joy? And the greatest gift that we’ve ever been given is Jesus Christ. He willingly gave His life for ours so that we may know true, eternal, abundant life in Him. Consider the words of the famous hymn by Stuart Townend, How Deep the Father's Love for Us:
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
Don’t forget that God loves you. He desires to bless you. He’s ultimately working all things together for your good and His glory. So don’t give up.
Application
Write down three prayer requests in a journal, on your phone, or anywhere. The idea is to keep a regular log of what you’re asking from the Father. Revisit it regularly, and any time you see an answer to that prayer, make a note. Then rejoice and express gratitude.
Prayer
God,
You are good. Please help me remember this simple fact. Renew my strength when I am weak. Help me endure and always believe that You can move in miraculous, even supernatural ways. Thank You for how You’ve moved in my life and help me trust You with the future.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?