James 4:3

Despite what we may think, God always answers our prayers. The answer though, is not always “yes” or immediate.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 KJV

When we are walking with our minds set on the flesh, our desires are carnal desires. These desires are contrary to God’s:

For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Romans 8:7 ESV

Our faith should be actively resting on God and His promises. When we do so, He can change our desires, so that we desire what He desires:

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:4-5 ESV

God wants your joy to be complete. This cannot be found in the flesh. If you live to satisfy your own desires and think God is a lottery ticket or magic coupon towards getting it, you’re mistaken. God never promises this therefore you have no reason to think it will ever happen. God is not your genie in a bottle.  Even more, these fleshly passions, and things of indulgence, only serve to feed your flesh and separate you from God. So, yes, God will respond to your prayers that flow to Him from selfish desires but the answer will be “no”.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you a new passion, a passion that He will delight in answering “YES!” to when you ask.

James 1:5

We’ve just been looking at verses 2,3, and 4 that deal with counting by faith on what we know about trials and how God uses them for our good to His glory. If, however,  anybody (He’s probably pointing the finger at me here) lacks wisdom (yup, that’s me), let him ask God (this is something I can ask for?) and God gives it to ALL generously (openly, simply) without reproach (railing at or chiding).  Of course the next verse clarifies that it’s by faith we are to ask, but we’ll see that tomorrow if the Lord permits.

So, God makes this offer to all. So why don’t all people have wisdom? James later gives the answer:

You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 1:5

Someone that is seeking God for wisdom implies they are seeking God’s view of things, God’s understanding and knowledge of things to approach life. A person who is double minded is really not asking God for wisdom but for intelligence to success for personal benefit and therefore is not asking God for wisdom and is not asking of faith. Therefore, it’s no surprise the person asking doesn’t receive it.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

So, if you’re looking for santa claus, perhaps the best place to go knocking is NOT God’s door. Yet if you are seeking wisdom from above, from the creator who designed you, from He who knows best, then by all means, go to God with all assurance that He will grant it to you. As it for the glory of God!  – JW