Ask, Seek, and Knock for a Victory

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)

Have you ever been in a difficult moment or had to make a serious decision and sought the advice and help of others before seeking God first? I have.

It’s silly that we do so, understanding that they don’t have more knowledge than He does, more experience than He does, and no more resources to use. We must remember that only God has the ultimate knowledge and understanding of our situations. Human advice and understanding are limited, even if they are well-intentioned. God, however, sees the entire picture and knows the best path for us.

I can recall a time when I was struggling with some attacks on my body. Although I tried to do what I knew in faith and took advice from those God had placed in my life, the situation worsened. Finally, I went to God and asked Him about it. He immediately told me the problem, and everything turned around when I followed and obeyed.

Now, sometimes God won’t answer you immediately. Many people have short patience with God. They want their answer or their provision immediately. You must understand that some situations you find yourself in took years to develop, and the resolution may require time.

Seek His will, go before God quickly and early, and approach Him in faith, determined to do whatever He asks of you. He’s got the answers. You only need to ask in faith.

Practical Application

When you feel like asking someone for advice, ask yourself, “Did I approach God about this?” Don’t let God be your second or third choice. Don’t get advice from others before you get advice from Him.

Matthew 21:22; John 15:7

Keep Moving Forward

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

The valley of the shadow of death represents our darkest and most challenging moments. There will always be a valley where death shows its shadow. What is a shadow? It’s a dark spot trying to hide the light. There will be dark moments and even seemingly scary situations. But you must decide to keep moving.

The Psalmist wrote that we are to walk through the valley of the shadow of death. However, many believers sit, stop, and camp in the valley when trouble looms. They cry, complain, and compromise during  a difficulty. The truth is, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated when facing giant issues. However, faith people must resist the urge to stop and give up.

Life is a journey that demands constant forward motion. We cannot afford to stop or become stagnant, no matter how challenging our current circumstances may seem. Keep walking, knowing God will lead us through the darkest valleys to brighter days ahead.

The Psalmist wrote that he did not need to fear any problems against him because God’s rod and staff were there to comfort him. God’s rod and staff represent His protection and guidance. He nudges us in the right direction and protects us from enemy attacks. God is stronger, wiser, and more powerful than any challenge or enemy. He has the power and the plan to walk us through it.

Practical Application

Refuse to allow fear to dictate what you will do in your life. You are not full of fear. You are a person of faith. Trust in God’s presence and strength, and keep going through every valley, knowing He is with you.

Psalm 3:6; Psalm 118:6

The Power of Fellowship

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Satan has used the same strategy since the beginning. His goal is to isolate believers from their relationships with each other so that they cannot operate in power. He spoke to Eve but not Adam in the garden, and he now works to isolate and separate Christians from their fellow believers. He wants to keep us away from the support and encouragement of our church family. One of the worst things you can do when going through tests and trials is to stay away from church. Isolation makes us vulnerable to the devil’s attacks.  When you are feeling down or facing challenges, Satan will try to convince you to stay in bed, avoid people, and ignore calls. The church is a place of healing, support, and encouragement.

Regular church attendance every week helps us stay accountable to one another and encourages us through difficult seasons of life. But you shouldn’t attend church only when facing a crisis. You are needed in church when you aren’t going through the challenging moments in life because God will have you minister to someone else who is going through something.

You should drag yourself to church even if you don’t like it. Just get up and go and know that God has something for you and someone to encourage you if you let them.

Practical Application

When you notice someone is missing from church, you need to reach out and check on them. Maybe something is wrong, or they have something to celebrate, or they need encouragement to get back where they will be encouraged and connected.

Acts 2:42; Matthew 18:20