Sometimes You Have To Ask

One of the fun little duties that I've been able to perform during the retreats here at the camp is getting to serve the food. Each server gets assigned to an item, and then as the plate is passed down the line, the server asks if the person would like their particular item. I had the rolls, and the answer was yes every time. Seriously, not one single "no". The girl next to me had peas. She was not so lucky.
After I had served the last person a roll, it hit me that not one person asked for an additional roll. They were pretty small and I would not have been surprised, nor would I have refused them had they asked, but no one did. God brought some verses to mind as I pondered this:
Matthew 7:7  Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and it will be opened to you...
James 4:2 You do not have because you do not ask God...
John 15:7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you...
Luke 18:1-5 The parable of the persistent widow which is given to show us that we should always pray and not give up...
Sometimes, to receive what you want or even need, you have to ASK for it. It may feel awkward, you may feel greedy or silly, or like a pest, but sometimes you have to ask. Sometimes you have to ask for guidance, sometimes you have to ask for provision or help, and sometimes, you have to ask for that "extra roll".
Now, it's not because God doesn't know our needs. He most assuredly knows. But He has reasons for instructing us to ask Him. Here are just a few. It keeps us humble. It keeps us focused on the Provider rather than the provisions. It teaches us to trust.
Interestingly enough, after God brought this to mind, I discovered that the staff study we will be doing this summer was along the same lines -- asking God and trusting Him to answer.
So, learn along with me, to place your wants, concerns, and needs in His care--ask Him for His help, and for His guidance. He tells us to!!