Louise Gevers

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.Matthew 7:7-8

We lead very complex lives and finding our way each day as we are presented with new challenges can be either exciting or daunting.  We realise that everything we do and every choice we make has a consequence which leads us either to be stressed or at peace, as we saw with Martha and Mary’s experiences yesterday.

While watching a famous baking show with my family the other night, I was struck by how, despite the clarity of the judges’ instructions, each baker produced an amazingly different result after hearing exactly the same instructions to create a particular dessert.  Teach-ability and willingness to follow instructions precisely were vital to success; but in all circumstances in life it’s important to make good decisions that impact our lives positively and enable us to grow in knowledge and understanding.

We don’t have this ability naturally. We sometimes need to keep asking, keep looking, keep knocking, or we fail like the Sadducees whom Jesus accused: “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29)

Throughout the Bible are clear guidelines and examples of experiences of people like ourselves who have already attempted to follow them. Even the heroes of faith had to work it out. The more we read, the more we are encouraged because although they didn’t always get it right first time, God was on their side and helped them to the end.

 Moses was still praying when the pharaoh and his army were almost upon them: “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you still crying out for help? Tell the people to move forward.’” (Exodus 14:15) We can’t stay on our knees praying when God has already given us the answer and it’s now our turn to act. We can’t leave Peter knocking at the door, either, because of our unbelief! (Acts 12:11-15)

As we recognise our limitations and our need of God’s guidance, we come to Him through Jesus in humility to ask Him to lead and direct us every day. The key is to not have our own agenda but to embrace Him as Father and God, and allow His greater knowledge and wisdom to fill our lives. We need to pray specifically and to have faith as we learn about how great He is as we see how he works in different situations, and as we wrestle with Him, as Jacob did, till we have His blessing and peace.

It’s an ongoing, dynamic relationship.

Prayer: Father God, You alone are all wise and generously provide for me according to my needs as I come to you. “Remind me each morning of your constant love, for I put my trust in you. My prayers go up to you; show me the way I should go.” (Psalm 143.8) In Jesus’ Name, Amen.