Ask—Repeatedly

Remember that Jesus said to ask and since He repeated the advice as many times as He did, He must have really meant it. Ask for anything within His will. Whatever He has promised must be within His will, because God can’t lie. He can’t be unfaithful to Himself. He will do what He has said He will do. He will do it on His time schedule and His timing may not be here on this earth, it may only be done in heaven. For example, some illnesses God will not cure here. Some deformities will be cured in heaven. In some cases, the tears will be wiped away in heaven. But no matter when it’s done, God will do it.

Belief is an attitude. Belief grows as relationship with God grows, as trust grows. When it’s hard to believe, it helps to say like one man said to Jesus, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” The things we say react on our minds, making belief stronger. It’s important to say the things we want to believe or choose to believe.

To claim is to receive. When I receive a gift, I reach out, take it and then say, “Thank you.” Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7, NIV)

The seeking and knocking imply action, taking action to receive what has been asked for. Going through the same actions we normally do when receiving a gift strengthens our belief. To claim the promise, thank God for it.