Yet you do not have

because you do not ask.

(James 4:2)

There are things missing in your life right now, things that God would like you to have, that all you have to do is ask for them and you will have them.

I know that is a long run on sustenance…but read it again, please, and consider the thought behind it. 

There are things missing in your life right now….

I know that not one of us is completely unaware of this.  In all of our lives, there are things that feel empty, absent and lacking – that we long to see changed. Things in our Christian life and walk, things in our families, in our churches and in our jobs. Can I ask you to take a moment to compile a quick mental list of some of these….

• In your Christian life, what would you say is missing right now?  Perhaps you might list things like joy, or an real prayer life or being an effective witness.
• In your family, what things seem below what you desire?  Your marriage, or a marriage?  Kids walking, healthy communication…
• In your church and ministries what is it right now you long to see?  Is it people being saved?  Growth, health, more workers?
• In your job and life in this world – what feels lacking right now, just an emptiness?

I wonder how many of those things fall into the category that God lists here in James: “…you do not have…” and the reality is that simple - you do not have these things right now.

There are things missing in your life right now, things that God would like you to have,

Some of the things you  long for are actually the very things that God desires you to have.   True, some of the sinful, selfish and misplaced desires are not His and these are things that He will not provide for you.  Yet there are other things, things that you do not have present in your life, and it is not because God does not want you to have them.  There are things you do not have right now that He wants you to have.  Think about that for a couple moments….

Question: Why don’t you have those things that you want and that God wants for your life?  The truth is the answer below is not the only answer to this question…but it is ONE answer….

There are things missing in your life right now, things that God would like you to have, that all you have to do is ask for them and you will have them.

Yet you do not have

because you do not ask.

(James 4:2)

God has given us access to Him in prayer, the greatest source of help and supply than any could imagine.  Could it be that part of the problem is your are looking to other sources for your supply in these areas…and God is waiting for you to look to Him?  Could it be that doubt and unbelief have robbed you of even hoping for these things?  It is simply so true…”with God all things are possible?” Matt 19:26.  Have we given up in these areas and are no longer even praying? 

Many people wrestle with prayer and even understanding how this all fits into God’s work…and such thinking is not bad.  Yet, I call you to a very simple thought.  God tells you and I that there are things that we do not have, simply because we do not ask. Prayer works….prayer is effective.    I wonder if God would have you to begin praying, persistently, continually over areas in your life that you have almost given up hope on.   Is anything too hard for Him?   Can I encourage you today….pray about everything!  

Yet you do not have

because you do not ask.

(James 4:2)

Jim