Thursday, October 16, 2008

For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:10)

It's a lot easier to wish. I wish I got an iPhone for Christmas, I wish I was more outgoing, I wish God would do something in this situation. We learn to wish from when we're very small children. "Blow out the candles and make a wish!" Or even the song in Pinocchio: "When you wish upon a star...your dreams come true." Or if you rub the bottle, the genie will give you three wishes.


It's so much easier to wish. You make evident the fact that you want something without making yourself too vulnerable. And if you wish you might actually get what you want - but not very often.

What would happen if I started asking? Jesus said himself that whoever asks will receive. It may not be what we expect, but God knows best what we need. There's no such promise about wishing.

But asking is so much harder! Often I think to myself: "I don't want them to have to go out of their way for me," or "If I ask I won't receive anyway, so what's the point?" But Jesus tells us to ask. And to seek. And to knock.

I'm learning to ask instead of just wish. Some things I've been wishing for a while but am starting to turn into requests are:

- That I would get into the right college.
- That I could be a better example and leader to the kids at youth group, as well as at school.
- That I would be able to record an album with my original songs by the end of 2008!
- That I would find the perfect girl. This has really been on my heart lately (a bit surprisingly).
- That I would always be prepared for Jesus to come and take me home.
- That I would love my enemies (and people who I don't get along with super well).

And the list could go on. I can ask for all these things, but what's the most important?

- That I would live for Christ, and He through me.

It may sound kind of cheesy...and I'm definitely not there yet, but I might as well ask!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tyler, thanks for your thoughts on the difference between wishing and asking Jesus -- so encouraging and challenging!

Anonymous said...

To quote Miss Congeniality: "I really do want world peace!"

Great things to ask your Father who gives all good gifts.

Andrea PItcher

Anonymous said...

Tyler....
I sure love hearing your deep and profound thoughts, all bathed in truth. Thank you for making my day by writing all that out :o)

And just for the record, even though you may wish you were more outgoing, I think you're perfect the way you are!!!

Loves, Michelle

Josh and Kristi said...

Haven't been able to read your blog lately but just now sat down and had a nice long reconnect time reading your words. I'm awfully fond of you. And your name comes up alot when Blake and I talk. I'm grateful he has you walking this path ahead of him....
Anti K