Ask

“...'You will not recover from this illness.' When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord...Then this message came to Isaiah from the Lord: 'Go back to Hezekiah and tell him, 'This is what the God of your ancestor David says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life...'"  Isaiah 38:1-6

Nearly thirty years ago, I was bound and determined to ask someone a very important question. Hours were spent formulating and preparing for the moment. In spite of my nerves and in spite of the numerous ways the "ask" could have been derailed, I went for it. From the moment the ring went on her finger to this present moment, I am beyond thankful that I asked my wife for her hand in marriage.

Hezekiah, the king of Judah, found the wonder of asking as well. He was told to get his house in order. Game over. His earth journey was finished. Then, he asked. It was a bold ask for sure. God, in his sovereign grace, decided to grant his request for healing. God stopped the prophet in his tracks and sent him back to the king. "Fifteen more years", he said. 

What would have happened to Hezekiah if he wouldn't have asked? Would he have been given fifteen more years? James tells us, "We have not because we ask not." That's sad. God may or may not say "yes" to our requests, but what a monumental blunder on our part if we don't even ask. Our requests in no way obligate God to do anything, but the requesting is significant regardless. It speaks to faith. It speaks to humility. Two things Jesus loves to honor. 

Grace and Peace,

Tom Wiles
tom@fallcreekchristian.org

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