Learning to Ask

As a wrote in my post Money Monsters, I have had a little bit of financial strain this week.  But I want to report how God answered my prayers and helped me continue to put my trust in Him.  I mentioned that I would have to decide if I was going to trust that God could take care of us, and I have to be honest that I had some moments of weakness.  That morning I had a peace about it, but as the day wore on I began to let worry creep up.  I called my dear friend Andrea to talk a little about my worry and I thankfully regained my perspective. And I am happy to report that God showed up in a big way.  He supplied to cover all the needs we had for this weekend.  Some were just handed to us unexpectedly, but others I had to ask for.  As I mentioned in my last post, it is hard to ask for help.  It can be extremely humbling.  But James tell us, "You want something but don't get it.  You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want.  You quarrel and fight.  You do not have, because you do not ask God."(James 4:2)  Sometimes we have to ask for help.  How else can others know our needs and be able to bless us?  Remember again to remain thankful and have the right motives as James warns in the next verses, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."(James 4:3)  If the health and livelihood of your family requires you to humble yourself and ask for help, please do it.  There is not shame in admitting we have needs.  And remember, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."(Eph 3:20&21)