I remember how hard it was to ask for something when I was growing up. Whether it was money to go to the movies, or even to get permission to go to the movies, I always felt uneasy about asking for what I wanted. I think the main reason I had such a great concern was that there was a chance that my parent or parents would say the most horrible word in the world, “No.” I am exaggerating a bit but who likes to be hear the word “No” when you are asking for something? 
A few years back my sister was telling me about her job, how much work she did, and how many more responsibilities she had taken on since she started her job. She was a bit frustrated that while she accepted so many new responsibilities, she had never been financially compensated for these new works. I told her that she should speak to her boss about her new responsibilities and ask to be compensated for them. Her fear, that they would say the word “no.”
Recently I was in a situation that I wanted more from a important person in my life. I wanted more attention, praise, encouragment, and devotion. I wanted this person to play a greater part in my life. I wanted them to be the person that I wanted them to be in my life. My greatest fear, that I would hear the word “no.”
It is with this in mind that I write this article. We so often do not receive what we want from those around us merely because we do not ask. Many times we think that those important people in our lives should know what we want, how we want it, and when we want it without us telling them about it. Even worse, as a result we begin to get angry with that person, frustrated, and begin to tell others what that person is not doing for us. All the while, that person had no idea you wanted it in the first place. A little crazy? Well that describes my most recent of ungodly actions.
My encouragement to myself and those that are reading this article. If you want something that is good, pure, holy, and right just ask for it. If our motivation is right we might be surprised how often the answer is “YES.”
John 16:23-27; James 4:3
