Asking

When you talk to God, what are you asking for? A lot of times we get frustrated because we’re totally focused on something—asking God for answers or to do something for us—and it seems as if He’s silent. Could it be that the problem is not with God, but is with whatever we’re asking for? 

God’s top priority is drawing people closer to Him. So, if you’re desperately seeking an answer to some big question— “What’s going to happen?” Where should I go to school? Should I date him/her?”— God certainly wants to give you wisdom and help answer those questions, but perhaps He isn’t going to immediately whisper in your ear the clear and simple answer you’re hoping for. Maybe He’s going to lead you into His Word for answers, or have someone in your life speak some wisdom or encouragement, or draw you to spend more and more time with Him as you wrestle with the issue. 

Also, sometimes we miss the voice of God because we’re not asking for what God is most concerned about. Don’t mishear me; God loves you and absolutely wants to hear everything that’s important to you. But again, God’s greatest priority is drawing other people closer to Him. You’re about to read another story of Elijah where he asks God for something huge—a massive display of fire from heaven, not a small prayer. But, what I want to focus on is the reason Elijah prayed this. He desperately wanted God’s power to be seen by a massive group of people who had utterly forgotten who God was. This prayer of Elijah’s was all about seeing other people come back to God, and that is a huge factor in why God gave the answer He did.

When it comes to what you’re asking God, is the priority God’s glory being put on display? Are you asking God to make himself known to your friends or to draw you closer to Him? Or are all your prayers focused on what will make your life more comfortable? If you feel like God is being oddly quiet, lean into Him and check the substance of your prayers. If you’re asking for things that put the spotlight on God, you’re much more likely to hear or see an answer.

“And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.””

1 Kings 18:36-39 ESV