We’ve all experienced wanting something so deeply that we turn to God in prayer, asking Him to give it to us. Jesus tells us that if we ask, we will receive, and if we seek, we will find. Yet many of us know the feeling of not having all our prayers answered.
It’s important to remember that God can love us deeply and still say no. My kids ask me for things all the time, and sometimes I have to say no, not because I don’t care, but because it’s what’s best for them. Saying no isn’t always bad; in fact, it can be the most loving response. If I said yes to everything, my kids would grow up spoiled. Being a good parent means knowing when to say yes and when to say no.
There’s one request God will never deny: the desire to grow closer to Him. My kids often ask me to play with them, and sometimes I’m caught up in something important. After enough pleading, I usually pause what I’m doing and spend time with them. God is an even better Father. He never gets distracted. His attention is always on us, and He always wants to be close to us.
We will stumble and fail throughout life, and that’s okay. God doesn’t expect perfection, but He asks us to keep moving toward Him. He wants growth, not stagnation. Don’t settle for where you are in your relationship with Him. Keep pressing forward. There’s always more room to grow.
If God told you He would grant you anything, what would you ask for? Would you wish to win the lottery or become wealthy? Would you ask to bring back a loved one or heal someone who’s dying? Maybe you’d ask for happiness or love. These desires are all understandable, but they’re temporary. A billion dollars might make life easier, but you can’t take it with you. Spending more time with a loved one would be beautiful, but what happens after this life ends? So many people chase happiness here on earth, but how many are taking steps to ensure eternal joy in the life to come?
Hebrews puts it this way: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.” God never promises us an easy life, but He does promise eternal joy to those who persist in faith. Life will challenge us. We’ll trip, fall, and feel discouraged. But when that happens, we must get back up and keep moving forward. Keep your eyes on the prize.
