Robert Fenske
Robert Fenske is the Director of AWM Australia. He is a regular teacher on Charis Daily Live Bible Studies on GospelTruth.TV. His wife, Rebecca, is the Director of Charis Bible College Australia. Charis has spirit-filled, Word-of-God-filled directors throughout the world. Visit CharisBibleCollege.org/Campus-Locations to find a campus near you.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
—Matthew 7:7

How many of you look at this verse and think, That sounds simple: I ask, and then I receive. So why am I not getting what I ask for? I’d like to focus on the word ask to help you better understand this scripture.

First, notice that ask is a verb—an action word. This implies action on your part to fulfill this scripture. The word ask is translated from the Greek parakalo several different ways, including desire, beg, crave, call for, require. When you ask, it is for something that you greatly desire. Here are eight keys in asking of God:

1. Ask. Our heavenly Father wants to be engaged in our lives and provide good things for us. When we ask, we show humility, recognizing we need God.
2. Ask in His name. Jesus reminds us in John 14:13, “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
3. Abide in God’s Word. John 15:7 says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” To abide means to remain, dwell, continue, endure. It is through faith and patience that we inherit the promises (Heb. 6:12).
4. Ask according to God’s will. First John 5:14 reads, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” As you know God’s Word and His character, you know His will.
5. Ask with belief. Matthew 21:22 tells us, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
6. Do not doubt. James 1:6 says, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” At Charis Bible College, we have this expression: “Doubt your doubts.”
7. Check your heart. James 4:3 explains, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” Are you asking out of selfish motives? Also, are you asking for something that God has already given you power and authority over, such as healing?
8. Ask in agreement with others. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” There is blessing and power in unity and agreement.

Asking is simple, but there must be action in your ask. Ensure that you are asking based on principles from God’s Word, and see doors open before you. I pray you are blessed!