Today’s declaration comes from one of the first Bible passages that I committed to memory. I’ve known the promise in Matthew 7:7-11 for a long time, and I’ve believed and spoken it in prayer so many times that I don’t know why it took until my 111th episode to share this important truth with you.

Our heavenly Father is a good father, and he gives us good gifts. Sometimes we simply need to ask and keep on asking.

I especially like the New Living Translation of this scripture because it accurately translates the Greek verbs for “ask”, “seek”, and “knock” as “keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking.”

Jesus taught his disciples to be persistent in prayer. I believe with all my heart that the reason Paul asked a mere three times for his thorn to be removed is because he knew God had answered him. We learn in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that God said “no” to removing Paul’s thorn. However, God said “yes” to giving Paul more than enough grace and more than enough strength to manage that thorn.

If you and I truly believe that God gives us good gifts when we ask, then when he doesn’t give us exactly what we’re asking for it’s because he wants to give us another gift. And you can be sure it’s a good one.

If God seems silent in response to your desperate prayers, then keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking. But, if he has answered your prayer with a “no,” then ask him for the grace and strength to move forward. And remember he has promised to give you good gifts. Why not take the time right now to ask?

I’ve been extending an invitation to women who live in the Fresno, California area to join me in person on Wednesday evenings for Bible study at Peoples Church beginning March 2 at 7 p.m. Now, I’d like to also invite you to The Gathering, A space for women to gather, connect, and experience Jesus. It’s a free and fun event for women, and I’ll be sharing from my book Longing to Belong. Learn more on my website at shawnamariebryant.com.

This week’s scripture: Matthew 7:7-11