The Importance of Asking

by Toni
(Ohio)

Like many women, I am a born-again Christian and try to do what is right in any situation. And, I know as a Christian that I will continue to confront situations and people that are difficult, challenging and stressful.

In my fifty some years of living I have tried to pray for guidance, forgiveness and help and sometimes my prayers were answered and sometimes, not.

But lately, I have found a technique in prayer that I should have been utilizing but in all honesty, was afraid to.

It was just recently when confronted with a difficult person who challenged my belief, values and faith in Christ, when I turned to prayer but instead of saying, "please God help me," I instead asked, "Jesus, this individual is driving me crazy and I need the words, the Christian behavior to help see me through. Can you help me with this person? Can you also show him the way?"

Not long after this prayer, the good Lord gave me the answer in several ways: he changed this person's behavior in a more positive and helpful way and He helped me deal with this person in a more professional and Christian way.

I can't tell you how this prayer 'questioning' helped me with this person! I have continued to ask for Christ's help and He continues to answer me in a more direct and positive way.

I wanted to pass this along to all of you; for it may help you, too, when tough times or tough people come into your lives.

I now have a better understanding of the phrase from the Bible, Matthew 7:7 King James Version: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you."