Matthew 7:8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

Often, we don’t have what we need because we don’t ask. Sometimes it’s harder for adults to admit the need for help. If only we would be more like children and run to our heavenly Father, we would receive everything we need for life.

Jesus spent many hours teaching His disciples the characteristics of His Kingdom’s citizens. They were to be the salt and light of the world, shining their light before men in such a way that God would be glorified. They were to love others – including their enemies – praying for those who persecuted them. Jesus also stated over and over that the heart attitude was what mattered; outward actions proved nothing if the heart was corrupt.

He went on to teach about prayer. It should not be done in a flamboyant way for the purpose of human praise. True Kingdom citizens pray in secret, trusting that God and His answers will be their best reward.

Next, Jesus spoke about treasure hunting, warning against the accumulation of earthly treasure at the expense of the heavenly. Again, the things we treasure point to the spiritual health of our heart.

But if the disciples of Jesus’ day were at all like me, they may have wondered how they could be and do all these things the way they should. Jesus gave the answer.

“Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

The power to live the Kingdom life is in the asking.

We, like the early disciples, can never be everything we should be. We do not have the power to attain God’s standard on our own. So, God has made a way. Jesus came to take care of the world’s sin problem through His death and resurrection. His sacrifice provided not only salvation but the power to live the Kingdom life. Those who admit their powerlessness and ask will receive. Those who seek will find. And to those who knock the door will be opened. Our heavenly Father desires to give good gifts to those who ask Him.

Are you struggling to do and be what God expects? Humble yourself like a child and accept God’s gift of salvation through Jesus. Then go to Him for everything else. God wants to give you the capacity to live your life to the fullest and to treat others as you should, but it can only be done in His power. He is waiting patiently. All you have to do is ask!