Try as Connie and I do, we still misunderstand each other from time to time. When we realize that we try to clarify each other’s expectations. Expectations make a big difference for everyone. But it is more frustrating when Connie tells me multiple times when an event is coming, and I still forget! I’m grateful for her patience especially as I get older and my “personal computer” bogs down from overload.
Although Jesus had explained many things about the kingdom of God (e.g. the kingdom was within them) minutes before He ascended into Heaven His disciples …kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” Acts 1:6 (NLT2) They obviously had heard but totally misunderstood what Jesus had taught about the kingdom of God!! And now, Jesus would no longer be there to straighten out their thinking!
I’ve witnessed people misunderstanding, even misinterpreting, God’s promises in the Bible. It is easy to read verses like Mark 11:24 (ESV), Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours; and Matthew 7:8 (ESV) For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened; then assume the Holy Spirit will answer what they request. But that is clearly NOT the case!!
Jesus said to [blind Bartimaeus], “What do you want me to do for you?” Mark 10:51 (ESV) He then received not only his healing but also his salvation! Jesus also asked two of his closest disciples, James and John, virtually the same question, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:36 ESV) But this time, Jesus did not give them what they asked.
What!! Why would Jesus say “yes” to the blind man He hardly knew and “no” to men closest to Him in ministry? Consider the motive of the hearts behind each request. Bartimaeus’ heart for Jesus would go on and faithfully share with others God’s grace to him, but James and John asked for what they would consume on themselves. James explained it this way in James 4:3 (NLT2), And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
Jesus clarified the issue when He said 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 (NKJV). What we ask for when seeking God’s heart will be very different than when pray seeking soulish lusts.
If God doesn’t give us what we ask, we should evaluate our prayers. Are our motives selfish? Are we asking for far less than God wants to give? (2 Ki 13:19; Ep 3:20). Are our requests worthy of the God we approach? Do we lack the faith God requires to give us our desires? (Mt 17:20).
Perhaps it might help if, before we ask, we filter our attitude with the Jesus’ words Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. If we will ask according to His will, like Bartimaeus, we will receive far more than we anticipate! (Je 33:3). Just think of all the gifts God has planned to give us when we align ourselves with His plan and purpose on this earth rather than our own selfish desires. Can you imagine what power can be released in this world when that happens to all believers in Nebraska alone?