Feb 24

“…yet ye have not, because ye ask not.” James 4:2

The two children seated in the back seat of the car fought and tugged at each other over a sweet which one of them had, and the other wanted. Their cries and fuss attracted their mother’s attention who listened to their stories amidst sobs and accusations. After a brief and stern caution, she produced a second sweet and settled their matter in an instant. James addresses the human trait we are all so familiar with. We quarrel and fight, envy and want but fail to get, because instead of coming to the Source of all things, we attempt to get what we want by our own means. Never satisfied, we no sooner manage to snatch some advantage or prize, that we turn our attention and craving to something else, for which we will again struggle and fuss. Just like those children, but in a much more severe way, and for all sorts of reasons, we litigate, afflict, battle and attack others, for the things we think we want, when our Heavenly Father has all we need and want at heart right there at our disposal. All we need do is ask in faith, without pride, and empty of envy towards others. Ask for the correct and righteous reason of receiving from God, so that we may bring glory to Him, by that which He gives us. Many times we remain ‘empty handed’ only because we fail to ask God, or because we do ask, but with the wrong motives in heart and mind. God is a fair and just Father, He will give to us what He knows is best for us to serve Him and to do His will. Should something be withheld, it is probably because in His wisdom God knows it is better that it is not given to us – either at this time, or ever. In all things He has our best interests at heart. Accepting this relationship, in true ‘child-like’ faith, will probably spare us a great deal of heartache and strife. Ultimately we need to remember that all we have or are likely to receive, will come from the Lord through sincere asking in prayer. To that we may only add the willingness to work hard, labour honestly and willingly, while giving due consideration to the needs of others.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion