You Have Not Because You Ask Not

I have always been the kind of person who loves to serve, do, bless, and enrich the lives of others. I adore making things beautiful and organized and enjoyable for others. Throughout my life, I have loathed asking for things from others because I don't want to be an imposition or create work for someone else.

While my desire to help, serve, and bless has not diminished in any way, I'm learning, growing, and seeing God move in my life in remarkable ways in the area of being willing to ask.

I've come to realize that just like I enjoy giving and serving and being a blessing, others enjoy this as well. Shocking! (I can be dense on occasion I guess. Haha!) When I don't let others help, I am robbing them of the opportunity to be a blessing. Ouch!

Over the past few years, God has been stretching me in this area. He has prompted me to ASK.

I've asked bloggers to let me reprint their articles in the AFHE magazine. I've asked for volunteers to help with convention prep. I've asked a friend to come help me synthesize my myriad piles of notes into a master to-do list. I've asked for donations for the silent auction we are hosting for AFHE this year. When someone has stepped down from a committee I oversee, I've prayed about who to ask to fill that need and I've asked them.

At every turn, I've received a YES.  Not a reluctant, "I will if I have to," agreement. Each time I have stepped outside my comfort zone and asked, I have received an enthusiastic, happy to help, "Thank you for asking me," YES!

Perhaps this is because I endeavor to only ask for reasonable things, things that are beneficial to others. Perhaps it is because I am not one that asks often so I am not viewed as someone who is needy or demanding. I don't know. Whatever the reason, I am happy to report that I am becoming more comfortable asking and I have been tremendously blessed to see God send just the right help because I was willing to be transparent and vulnerable and take a chance by asking.

My friendships have grown deeper roots and I've made new friends through this journey of change, too!

What about you?  Do you struggle with asking for help?  Where have you seen God provide when you've simply asked?

"Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
- John 16:24

A few more great reminders from the Word about asking and receiving ...

"And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
Matthew 21:22

"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." - Mark 11:24

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." - Hebrews 11:6

Comments

[Don]

Nancy,
Thank you for the wonderful reminder that we can be a blessing to others just by asking them to join us in serving our Lord.
I always enjoy your posts and take encouragement from your experiences.
May the Lord continue to bless you richly as you share your heart, your life and your willingness to "ask."