“Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” James 4:2(b)NIV

There was a time in my life where James 4:2-3 made me mad. I begged of the Lord to change the unexpected diagnosis of my first-born daughter, Addie. He didn’t. And in my fragile faith it caused me to pause on making requests for a time. That is until I began to seek His face and understand the heart of God and watch His hand move on our behalf. So I am going to say it again, in case you are like me. This time in a different translation and maybe it will sink in better.

“And all the time you don’t obtain what you want because you won’t ask God for it!” James 4:2(b)TPT

If there is something you want—ask God instead of resorting to unnecessary means. Some things we won’t get because we don’t ask. And some things we won’t get even if we do. I have come to know that God our father know what’s best, safest and right for us. As a mom of four kids I don’t give them candy before dinner or a knife to play with. Like a good dad, God reserves the right to do what will be for our good. Thank God He didn’t change Addie. I would have missed out on the best gift I didn’t even know I wanted.

So when you want something, ask Him. And then let him decide what is best for you.

I recently shared over on Instagram my request for community. My kids need it, I need it. The last year has been so good in many ways. But re-entering after a few big transitions and a lot of loss has left us with a deep need for new friends. Here are three things we are doing as we wait on God for our breakthrough.

 

1. Ask for it.

I don’t mean to beat a dead horse here. I’m over emphasizing here a bit since I was so hard headed about it personally. Don’t be like me and silence your request with disbelief. “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” Isaiah 64:4

He will deliver. He promises to NEVER let you down.

 

2. Show up for it.

Faith matters–so much. Without it, life’s hard(er). With it, anything is possible. And when faith is met with action, you are unstoppable. So just show up. We want community. So we are walking into churches. Stepping inside of rooms. We are putting ourself out there with people. Shoot, I’ve even invested money to be part of it. Take a step, make a move. Follow the promptings God is speaking to you. When your faith meets your works your request will come to life.

 

3. Sow seed in it.

Here’s the thing. I may not have what I want (yet.) But when I see it in the life of another I’m going to involve myself in that. I am going to give to, encourage, support and applaud the gift someone else has been given. When it comes to the kingdom of God there is no power struggle, there is a power union. There is no lack, only abundance. If I want to take in, then I must give out. This is the generous nature of Jesus and as a follower of His I can be generous even in the midst of my own need. God’s got mine. So what do you need? What do you want? Go find someone that has it and celebrate the good in their hand. Yours will be filled in due time.

 

I hope this helps as you wait. I have found God to deliver in a moment and sometimes longer than that. But be encouraged–I’ve asked God to bring my Addie friends. And yesterday “Emma” called. What a gift…and an answered prayer.

 

 

 

If you aren’t following me over on instagram I would love to connect with you there. And for more encouragement and the 21 days to Easter Daily devotional join me in my private Facebook group, The Significant Sisterhood.