By Guest Writer
Scripture Reading: Luke 11:1-54, Psalm 40:1, Matthew 6:6-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
It’s a little embarrassing to admit, but for as long as I can remember, I’ve kind of lived as an “expect the worst” sort of person.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Jesus, I love my family, and I’m so grateful for all God has given. But at the same time, I’ve told myself that if I expect not-so-great things to happen, then I won’t be devastated, shocked, or hurt when they do. (Am I the only one like this?)
For example: We’re going to the beach tomorrow…but there’s a chance it might rain! Our family is coming to visit…but hosting will be tiring! I’m trying this new dinner recipe tonight…but it may not be good!
I don’t know why I’m like this, and yes, it’s annoying. But I’ve been this way since I was young. It’s as though, deep down, I’m afraid to ask for the best and not get it. It feels risky to be hopeful for something that may not work out.
As a follower of Jesus, Luke 11 is so convicting for me, especially as I now raise my children and try to show them what it means to walk and live by faith.
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.”
—Luke 11:9
This is the model, the whole posture of how Jesus told us to come to Him! He told us to knock with persistence, not with doubts already brewing or with tempered expectations that He may not help us at all. Jesus described what this persistent faith looks like: fully believing that our Father is ready, willing, and waiting to take care of us.
The psalmist David described this posture as waiting patiently for the Lord, knowing and believing that He hears us and He will take care of our needs (Psalm 40:1). Of course, having God’s provision doesn’t mean cash, cars, and winning lottery tickets. But it does mean having unending access to mercy, love, and the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead us and give us God’s wisdom.
Today’s reading challenges me to ask: When I pray, do I really trust the heart of God? Do I believe He has good plans for me and that His wisdom and grace stretch farther than I can understand?
Maybe your prayers are full of faith, fully believing in the Father’s love for you. Or maybe you’re a little like me. You know your heavenly Father loves you, but you wrestle with doubt, especially when it comes to things that seem impossible in your own understanding.
I’m learning that even with our doubt, our Father just wants us to come to Him. Our words don’t have to be perfect. We don’t have to see the way through the path that lies ahead. He just wants us to ask for what we need, remembering, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8).
God, help us to focus on praying without ceasing instead of worrying our way through our prayers. Remind us today that we can trust the heart of our Father in every situation. Amen.
Written by Abby Flynn
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