Audacious Asking

“Ask and it will be given to you.” (Matthew 7:7)

The dictionary definition of the word audacious can be both positive and negative. On the negative side, it can mean reckless and inappropriate; on the positive side, it means a willingness to take bold risks, and I believe that is exactly what Jesus had in mind when He commanded us to come into His presence and “ask.”

What have you been asking Jesus for lately?

The Bible is full of examples of God’s people practicing audacious asking for a variety of different reasons. Here are just a few examples:

“Show me your glory” (Moses in Exodus 33:18).

“Enlarge my borders” (Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10).

“Rabbi, I want to see” (The blind man in Mark 10:51).

“My daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her” (Jairus in Mark 5:23).

People often tell me that they find audacious asking difficult to do. They offer many reasons for their reluctance: Some have been convinced that God is not that interested in showing up in a big way in their lives. Others are fearful that God’s answer will be “No” and their faith will be crushed. Still others are not sure their audacious asking would actually be the will of God for their lives. If this describes you in any way — or perhaps there are other reasons circulating in your mind right now — take a moment to marinate in these words from Jesus.

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a serpent? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:11-13)

Jesus was teaching His disciples about prayer, and here He made a profound statement that has encouraged me many times over the years to ask audaciously: “How much more.” Jesus reminds us that earthly fathers, though flawed and sinful, still try to do what is best for their children. How much more will our perfect Father in heaven treat all of His children well and how much more does He desire that we come into His presence with big, bold, and audacious prayers? Jesus paints a powerful picture of a God who not only allows “audacious asking,” He expects it, He invites it, and He is ready, willing, and able to answer, no matter how audacious our request seems to be.

Remember, if what we are asking audaciously is not His will, He will not give it to us. The bottom line is that audacious asking is not so much about His answer, but rather it is about our attitude. Our audacious asking demonstrates both our great need and the greatness of our God, because all things are possible with Him.

What do you need to ask of your God today? Ask and it will be given to you . . . either what you asked for or something immeasurably more than all you could have asked or imagined (Ephesians 3:20).

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!