Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock… (Matt. 7:7 KJV)

Jesus gives us the open invitation above to ask, seek and knock. The next verse give us an explanation why Jesus commands us to seek. It says “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth…“(Matt. 7:8 KJV). But what are we asking, seeking and knocking the door for?

Jesus again tells us in Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them”(Mk. 11:24 KJV). Jesus wants you to ask, seek, and knock for the things you desire, and in your time of need (Heb. 4:16).

What is the difference between asking and seeking? Asking is simply how we “let your requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:6 KJV). For example, someone who needs physical healing might pray and ask God to heal them. However, seeking goes further. It adds an element of personal effort, taking deliberate steps to look for what you want. When a believer takes steps, such as actively searching the Word, filling their hearts with it, and spending time with God in prayer, he is no longer just asking. This believer is now seeking. Whenever you take a step to go after what you need from God, you progress from asking to seeking. Remember that there is a promise to seeking believers: They shall find.

MEDITATE

Think about the difference between asking and seeking again. Now consider how it applies to you. Are there some things you have asked for and received, while you’ve had to seek for other things?

APPLY THE WORD

Asking is enough to get some things in life, but God wants you to seek for other needs. If you ask and “nothing seems to happen”, then go ahead and seek!

PRAY

Thank the Lord for being responsive to our needs. Pray that the Lord will give you wisdom to know how to ask, seek, and knock, to receive what you need from the bounties of God’s grace.

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