Asking But Not Receiving

Have you asked but did not receive? I turned 40 this past week and was pondering this all week. I’ve been asking for a single thing from God for 16+ years now, and yet, I have not received exactly what I asked for. Instead I’ve received many other things I haven’t asked for! I was given most every other blessing except the one I asked for.

That seems contrary to what the Gospel tells us today, right? Ask, knock, and seek, and you will receive. If a wicked father knows how to give good gifts to his children, then how much more will your good Father in heaven give you? 

Therein lies the answer to our dilemma. Our perception of good gifts. We want the specific gifts we ask for. But maybe God knows better what good gifts He wants to give us, and usually good gifts are those that pave the pathway to heaven and more closeness to Him. And it is true. He has given me much more than I expected or asked for, but not the specific thing I asked for.

Good gifts can come in all shapes and sizes. Talents. Graces. Blessings. Peace of Mind. Provision. Even sufferings can be good gifts if they lead us to more spiritual heights and a deeper wholeness. Those gifts may not look like we thought they would, but they are gifts nonetheless if they help lead us to our final destination.

The lesson today is Our Father is a Good Father. Keep asking. Keep receiving. Your Father knows the good gifts you need.