I'm coming across a theme in my life right now. I'm striving for things in my life and in my heart to change, yet I'm trying to do it on my own. I pray about it, but I do not ask. I didn't do an in-depth study on this by any means, but it just felt like God was jumping off of the page at me. It was as plain as the nose on my face... "You have not because you ask not." However, He did give some clarification to me about asking. The first is to ASK and BELIEVE that you will receive. (Matt. 21:22) I've been a believer practically all of my life, but for some reason the urgency of believing came through loud and clear. God also commands us not to doubt. James writes, "Let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:6-8)

I know I doubt, I don't have to look very far to find it, as sad as it is to say. However my desire is to have the faith that I need. I don't want to be the double minded man. Knowing what I know of God it is almost never too late to change your ways, especially if your heart is right. But how? Be honest with Him. Ask Him to increase your faith. Be completely vulnerable and keep on asking.

After asking and believing, what then? Twice in John (14:14 & 16:23-24), Jesus tells His disciples that whatever they ask in His name, it will be done. As simple as that. John 16:24 even says, " Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive,  that your joy may be full."

I always feel that maybe I bring too much to the feet of Christ, now my question is, am I asking God to take care of things? Or am I just praying ABOUT them and taking care of them myself?

Just some thoughts that have been on my mind!