Ask, Believe, and Receive?

[ImperfectionisBeauty]

Do you believe if you ask and believe you will receive? I am assuming this is asking God so are there any personal stories about this? How long is the receiving take?

[KathyM]

There's been many times when I've asked God for something and He granted my request. And it was often at the very last possible moment, which makes me realize He likes to test my faith.

[BetheButterfly]

Do you believe if you ask and believe you will receive? I am assuming this is asking God so are there any personal stories about this? How long is the receiving take?

 

I have learned the hard way to believe that God will do his will. Sometimes i don't like his will.

 

When my Mamaw died of cancer, I didn't like that. I prayed and asked God to heal her. He obviously didn't. I did believe He would if he wanted, but obviously he didn't want to. So, I think it's important to consider God's wlll.

 

Jesus, before he died on the cross, asked his Heavenly Father to "take this cup from me." He didn't sound like he wanted to suffer. I don't blame him. Suffering doesn't sound like fun at all.

 

Matthew 26 (I boldened some.)

Matthew 26 NIV - The Plot Against Jesus - When Jesus had - Bible Gateway

 

36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing."

 

Jesus obeyed even when it hurt and his prayer was not answered with the "cup" being "taken away."

 

When Jesus taught the "guideline" for how to pray to his followers, he talked about the Father's will.

 

Matthew 6 (I boldened some.)

Matthew 6 NIV - Giving to the Needy -

 

" 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

10 your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us today our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]

but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’

 

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

 

 

Now, many times it is the Father's will for a request to be granted. Many times his answer is yes. Sometimes his answer is wait. Sometimes his answer comes in the form of something better. For example, a good friend asked God for a job. She didn't get the job she asked for, but found a better job!!!

 

 

 

Faith/believing is an important part of prayer, but I think the faith/belief is supposed to be more in the will of God than in receiving exactly what one asks.

[M30USA]

It's never good, however, to pray for things which satisfy our selfish/worldly desires. The best things to pray for are godliness, humility, a mind of Christ, forgiveness, purity of thought, and knowledge of God's Word.

[pie2]

It's never good, however, to pray for things which satisfy our selfish/worldly desires. The best things to pray for are godliness, humility, a mind of Christ, forgiveness, purity of thought, and knowledge of God's Word.

 

 

I also like to pray that God's will be done, and not my own.

[M30USA]

 

I also like to pray that God's will be done, and not my own.

 

As I've said before...the single best AND most dangerous thing you can pray for.

 

When I was going through my divorce court hearings, I kept on thinking about how the whole "best interest of child" really is a bunch of nonsense. You want to talk about what's really in the best interest of the child? To NOT grow up richly spoiled, to grow up WITH discipline, and--this is where it gets most difficult to accept--to not necessarily live in the most "stable" environment, but rather the most godly. Our society has taken a good thing (ie, stability) and place it over godliness and obeying God's will. But, ha, try saying that in court.

Edited December 16, 2012 by M30USA

[pie2]

As I've said before...the single best AND most dangerous thing you can pray for.

 

When I was going through my divorce court hearings, I kept on thinking about how the whole "best interest of child" really is a bunch of nonsense. You want to talk about what's really in the best interest of the child? To NOT grow up richly spoiled, to grow up WITH discipline...

 

I agree that society, as a whole, focuses more and more on materialism, recreational fun, and distraction in general. And God's will does not necessarily line up with those values. It's hard not to get swept up into the rat race, and all that 'keeping up with the Jones', though.

 

...this is where it gets most difficult to accept--to not necessarily live in the most "stable" environment, but rather the most godly. Our society has taken a good thing (ie, stability) and place it over godliness and obeying God's will. But, ha, try saying that in court

 

But, I'd have to say that emotional stability should be part of a godly home (hopefully, as much as possible).

[bentnotbroken]

Yes I do ask and receive.

[M30USA]

But, I'd have to say that emotional stability should be part of a godly home (hopefully, as much as possible).

 

Yea, I was just referring to non-financial aspects. Unfortunately the courts don't consider emotional stability, because it's not quantifiable.

[ImperfectionisBeauty]

Yes I do ask and receive.

 

Teach me because I feel like I'm not asking good enough or something because I'm not receiving

[M30USA]

Teach me because I feel like I'm not asking good enough or something because I'm not receiving

 

What are you asking for?

[bentnotbroken]

Teach me because I feel like I'm not asking good enough or something because I'm not receiving

 

There isn't anything I can teach you. It is about your personal relationship with God. And trust me...I get told no more than I would like. We get what we can handle and what makes us better at being servants.

[ImperfectionisBeauty]

What are you asking for?

 

Well I have a list of things. I want to be more happy and less angry, less jealous, more content, I want him to just give me direction and lead me in the right direction, and of course a significant other would be great:)

[M30USA]

I want to be more happy and less angry, less jealous, more content, I want him to just give me direction and lead me in the right direction, and of course a significant other would be great:)

 

Those are all great things which I am SURE God wills for your life. The only non-absolutes would be "happiness" (since that is highly subjective), and also having a significant other. But being less angry, less jealous, and more content are all things you can BET God wills for you. (Also, contentment is better than happiness.)

[pie2]

Well I have a list of things. I want to be more happy and less angry, less jealous, more content, I want him to just give me direction and lead me in the right direction, and of course a significant other would be great:)

 

I love those things! I want lots of those things to grow in my life too It takes patience though. Like, years, sometimes. Just keep your focus on God, and it will come.

[M30USA]

This is an example of where the "with God all things are possible" quote applies. Many people use this verse when they try to get wealth or success, but it's actually in reference to God bringing good things out of sinful people. With Gods power, not your own, you can become less angry and jealous or whatever you want.

[ImperfectionisBeauty]

So what more do I need to do? I pray for this stuff like every night. I think my discontentment and anger and all of that has been like a reaction to not getting the significant other. I used to pray SOOOOO hard for one, I think I can be ok now like without one yet. I mean I understand everything happens for a reason and everything has it's timing or whatever but I asked a lot and believed and didn't receive. Now I am realizing maybe I didn't believe enough, but it is so hard to just believe in something and forget about it and not do anything to help it along you know? What if God isn't listening to me at all because I have been praying for a SO since I was like 15, which ok I understand maybe it wasn't needed at 15 but I am almost 22 now I think I am more fit to be someones SO now than I was at 15. I guess everything just comes down to that. What if God isn't listening? What if he doesn't bring the right person? I have a vision of what it is supposed to look like, what if he already sent him but I didn't realize it? I just have a really hard time believing and waiting.. what do you do with all this waiting time!!? How long does this wait have to be, because I have also prayed for children and God knows that you can't have them after a certain age.

[bentnotbroken]

So what more do I need to do? I pray for this stuff like every night. I think my discontentment and anger and all of that has been like a reaction to not getting the significant other. I used to pray SOOOOO hard for one, I think I can be ok now like without one yet. I mean I understand everything happens for a reason and everything has it's timing or whatever but I asked a lot and believed and didn't receive. Now I am realizing maybe I didn't believe enough, but it is so hard to just believe in something and forget about it and not do anything to help it along you know? What if God isn't listening to me at all because I have been praying for a SO since I was like 15, which ok I understand maybe it wasn't needed at 15 but I am almost 22 now I think I am more fit to be someones SO now than I was at 15. I guess everything just comes down to that. What if God isn't listening? What if he doesn't bring the right person? I have a vision of what it is supposed to look like, what if he already sent him but I didn't realize it? I just have a really hard time believing and waiting.. what do you do with all this waiting time!!? How long does this wait have to be, because I have also prayed for children and God knows that you can't have them after a certain age.

 

Live life. God's will be done..whatever he deems is appropriate at the appropriate time.

[ImperfectionisBeauty]

Live life. God's will be done..whatever he deems is appropriate at the appropriate time.

 

Ok but way if he doesn't think I should have babies or a husband? How can I be happy with out that? I know it seems stupid to you but I just don't see myself being able to be happy if it never happens. I literally nearly have a mental breakdown when people I know get engaged or pregnant and that's now at 22 when it is acceptable to be single but imagine me at 30 if I'm still here. I honestly would die. Not exaggerating I would probably die.

[TheFinalWord]

So what more do I need to do? I pray for this stuff like every night. I think my discontentment and anger and all of that has been like a reaction to not getting the significant other. I used to pray SOOOOO hard for one, I think I can be ok now like without one yet. I mean I understand everything happens for a reason and everything has it's timing or whatever but I asked a lot and believed and didn't receive. Now I am realizing maybe I didn't believe enough, but it is so hard to just believe in something and forget about it and not do anything to help it along you know? What if God isn't listening to me at all because I have been praying for a SO since I was like 15, which ok I understand maybe it wasn't needed at 15 but I am almost 22 now I think I am more fit to be someones SO now than I was at 15. I guess everything just comes down to that. What if God isn't listening? What if he doesn't bring the right person? I have a vision of what it is supposed to look like, what if he already sent him but I didn't realize it? I just have a really hard time believing and waiting.. what do you do with all this waiting time!!? How long does this wait have to be, because I have also prayed for children and God knows that you can't have them after a certain age.

 

Ask, believe, receive is referring to receiving the Holy Spirit.

 

Luke 11--So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

 

If you want a husband, you will have to decide if you want one, and then two determine which man you want. Three things are needed, if you want God's best man for you: Spiritual unity, life purpose compatibility, both must be mentally healthy.

 

At 21, and I am not trying to slam you, honestly, I am almost 100% certain you are not ready to be married. Between now and 30, you will be a very different person. You should focus your efforts on other serving others, like a ministry in your church. Maybe even serve in the nursery. Practice serving. Especially since you want kids.

 

Also, an on-line forum is not really a good place to get your primary spiritual advice. Do you go to a church? Are there any women there that would mentor you? I really think more young people need folks in the church to mentor them. There is just no way that on-line can build the kind of real life relationship you need.

 

And not to sound trite, but I have never had God just give me a higher characteristic like patience. He has given me supernatural forgiveness before, but never something like patience or contentment. These characteristics come through trials. You know the things people try to "pray away" because they're uncomfortable. To get patience, God will typically put an extremely annoying co-worker I can't get away from to train me. Be careful what you wish for

 

Here is the biblical model for character development (Romans 5): suffering (trials; testing of faith) --> perseverance (keep going when the going gets tough, this builds faith)--> character (fruits of Spirit develop: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; Galatians 5)--> hope.

 

What does hope look like? Paul had it and described in 2 Cor. 6

 

Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

[ImperfectionisBeauty]

I take it back I will not die but I have always felt like if I couldn't have a baby I would rather be dead

[ImperfectionisBeauty]

Ask, believe, receive is referring to receiving the Holy Spirit.

 

Luke 11--So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

 

If you want a husband, you will have to decide if you want one, and then two determine which man you want. Three things are needed, if you want God's best man for you: Spiritual unity, life purpose compatibility, both must be mentally healthy.

 

At 21, and I am not trying to slam you, honestly, I am almost 100% certain you are not ready to be married. Between now and 30, you will be a very different person. You should focus your efforts on other serving others, like a ministry in your church. Maybe even serve in the nursery. Practice serving. Especially since you want kids.

 

Also, an on-line forum is not really a good place to get your primary spiritual advice. Do you go to a church? Are there any women there that would mentor you? I really think more young people need folks in the church to mentor them. There is just no way that on-line can build the kind of real life relationship you need.

 

And not to sound trite, but I have never had God just give me a higher characteristic like patience. He has given me supernatural forgiveness before, but never something like patience or contentment. These characteristics come through trials. You know the things people try to "pray away" because they're uncomfortable. To get patience, God will typically put an extremely annoying co-worker I can't get away from to train me. Be careful what you wish for

 

Here is the biblical model for character development (Romans 5): suffering (trials; testing of faith) --> perseverance (keep going when the going gets tough, this builds faith)--> character (fruits of Spirit develop: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; Galatians 5)--> hope.

 

What does hope look like? Paul had it and described in 2 Cor. 6

 

Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

 

I do go to church, I am kind of in the process of finding a new church because of a lot of internal issues in the church so I still go but I want a church that I can get more involved in. I just figured here would be good because a lot of people on here are religious and I have gotten some pretty good advice thus far about God

[pie2]

Now I am realizing maybe I didn't believe enough, but it is so hard to just believe in something and forget about it and not do anything to help it along you know?

 

You can still think about your wishes, and be actively pursuing them, but just ask yourself if what you are doing is done to glorify God, or to satisfy a carnal desire.

 

What if God isn't listening to me at all because I have been praying for a SO since I was like 15, which ok I understand maybe it wasn't needed at 15 but I am almost 22 now I think I am more fit to be someones SO now than I was at 15.

 

Well, you thought that it was a good time at 15, and it wasn't (you see that now). You think it is a good time at 22, and it might not be (you'll probably be able to see that, too, in a short time).

 

I guess everything just comes down to that. What if God isn't listening? What if he doesn't bring the right person? I have a vision of what it is supposed to look like, what if he already sent him but I didn't realize it?

 

Following God isn't for the faint of heart. If it turns out that your perfect partner doesn't fit the ideal you've created, what would happen?

 

Have you ever gotten something you didn't expect, but that turned out to be even better then what you had imagined?

 

I just have a really hard time believing and waiting.. what do you do with all this waiting time!!?

 

Endless things! What's one way you think you could spend your time, hopefully either growing in spirit, benefiting others, or both?

 

How long does this wait have to be, because I have also prayed for children and God knows that you can't have them after a certain age

 

We can't forget Sarah! You've got ages until you need to worry about that, lol

[TheFinalWord]

I do go to church, I am kind of in the process of finding a new church because of a lot of internal issues in the church so I still go but I want a church that I can get more involved in. I just figured here would be good because a lot of people on here are religious and I have gotten some pretty good advice thus far about God

 

Yes, definitely it is okay to get advice. That's a good thing! But I know you've struggled with this for a while (I think I remember some of your other posts) and think you need some connection in real life too, b/c I know how bad you want this. And it's just something we can only give so much advice to help with on-line.

 

I really think volunteer in the childcare ministry at church. Do all ages and maybe teach Sunday school. Many folks get quality child rearing training that way. And in my church, even the men volunteer. Maybe a guy will be in there and you'll think "he's got father skills and good lookin' too"

 

Yeah, sometimes you gotta find a new church. That's totally okay. That would be something really good to pray for

[ImperfectionisBeauty]

You can still think about your wishes, and be actively pursuing them, but just ask yourself if what you are doing is done to glorify God, or to satisfy a carnal desire.

 

 

 

Well, you thought that it was a good time at 15, and it wasn't (you see that now). You think it is a good time at 22, and it might not be (you'll probably be able to see that, too, in a short time).

 

 

 

Following God isn't for the faint of heart. If it turns out that your perfect partner doesn't fit the ideal you've created, what would happen?

 

Have you ever gotten something you didn't expect, but that turned out to be even better then what you had imagined?

 

 

 

Endless things! What's one way you think you could spend your time, hopefully either growing in spirit, benefiting others, or both?

 

 

 

We can't forget Sarah! You've got ages until you need to worry about that, lol

 

I always wondered about the story of Sarah, how old was she really? I know that they couldn't have gone by actual years because no one lives to be 99 that often and she was not even pregnant by 99 that is just when she was told she would have a baby. But maybe it did go by actual years, I don't know.