Ask And You Shall Receive

Gilson LacerdaDecember 2023 WOFLeave a Comment

Xmas Tree

I AM SURE most of you are thinking about the holidays. I know I have been mentally preparing myself for this busy season. As I began to reflect on the busyness of the schedule, my mind wanted to panic and begin thinking about being tired and worn out even before the events occurred.

This is a time when you can let your thoughts put you into a state of panic and distress. So many allow panic to dominate them, and they live in constant turmoil. Our world is fast-paced, whether it is the holidays or not. One might call me simple, but I have found that God’s Word always ministers peace to me in every stressful situation.

I have found when I ask, the Lord always brings the right scripture to mind or sends someone across my path to give me the words I need to help me in the present crisis. At such times, I like to read Psalm 94:19 (NIV 1984): “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” The Message Bible says, “When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up.”

David encountered stressful situations throughout his life. However, he knew Who to go to in the difficult times. First Samuel 30:6 (NLT) says, “David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God.”

“ ‘Call to me and I
will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’ ”

Jeremiah 33:3 in The Message

So many people wring their hands in the midst of crisis and stressful situations. But the Lord is always right there to lead, guide, direct, and help us. Often we only think of the Lord’s help in spiritual matters. However, I ask for His help constantly in natural situations. We live in a natural world and
we most definitely need help in living life. Jeremiah 33:3 in The Message says, “ ‘Call to me and I
will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your
own.’ ”

I remember one Christmas, our daughter, Denise, wanted two Cabbage Patch dolls. She had gotten one for her birthday and wanted more. That year the dolls became exceedingly popular and were scarce. I searched, but there were none to be found in Tulsa.

Of course, her dad and I did not want to disappoint our little girl. So I began to pray earnestly that the Lord would direct me to a place that would have the dolls. I went to Dallas the first of December that year to visit my parents and do some Christmas shopping. As I passed a toy store, the Holy Spirit said, “Stop here.” I went in, only to find a line of women.

I asked the ladies why they were in line. They replied, “A shipment of Cabbage Patch dolls is about to be delivered.” So I stood in line, still praying, because I knew there were probably more people than there were dolls. I said, “Lord, You know the desires of my daughter’s heart. Now I thank You those desires will be met, and I will receive the boy and girl dolls Denise desires.”

Suddenly the dolls appeared. I reached into the bin and came out with two girls. However, I was not moved by the circumstances. I knew God would grant my request. I went to the counter to pay. In front of me was a woman with several dolls, both boys and girls. The Holy Spirit prompted me to ask if her dolls were for a child.

She said, “No, I just collect them.” I told her I had a daughter who would be disappointed if she did not receive a boy and a girl doll. I asked her if she would switch dolls with me. “Let me see your dolls,” she said. While she was looking, I was praying. She said, “I like the redheaded doll you have, so I’ll switch.” I was so delighted I wanted to jump up and down right there praising God! But I waited until I got into my car. My mother and I rejoiced that God took care of the situation and granted my request and my daughter’s desires.

What do you need? Whatever it is, God is right there to assist you. John 16:24 says, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” God is willing to grant your request. You simply have to ask for His help.

Lynette Hagin


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Lynette Hagin

Lynette Hagin

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