Sisters: The Five Daughters of Zelophehad预览

ASK

We started our series with the quote, ‘There is no improving the future without disturbing the present,’ from Catherine Booth, the co-founder of the Salvation Army. Sometimes the most disruptive actions we can take are simple ‘requests’ or asking good questions.

The word ‘ask’ in Greek is ‘aiteo,’ which is a word used to address a superior with respect and honor but is also about being adamant in expecting an answer. When studying the scriptures, there are so many accounts of people who asked God for the impossible. From people we assume had little faith to those like the Father of the sick child who cried out to Jesus and said; ‘help me… I believe… oh help my unbelief’ (Mark 9:23).

Our five sisters of Zelophehad had to ask for their inheritance, and I believe it was their revelation of the love of the Father that gave them the confidence as they asked. We read that the Lord told Moses to give it to them.

I’m not sure how you go with asking God for anything. I know I have struggled at times with the thought that I can freely come before the most Holy God and ask Him for anything. But this is the heart of God towards us; He is for us, not against us, and he wants to give us all things. And, of course, ‘All Things’ is not necessarily what we think it might be. God isn’t a genie granting wishes. He is a builder who has designed each of us with purpose. It’s amazing how asking in prayer when you know the love of the Father becomes more about us willingly submitting our dreams and plans to him than it is about trying to get God onside with our plans.

‘Where’s Your Faith?’

I remember once someone told me I had blind faith, and they meant it as an insult, but I received it as a compliment! We grow in faith as we exercise faith. Martin Luther says; ‘faith is a living, unshakeable confidence.’ You build your faith as you learn to stand upon His word whatever situation you are walking through. Romans 10:17 says that ‘faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.’

When you immerse yourself in the word of God and passages like Ephesians 3:20 and Psalm 37:4, you start to understand how willing God is to meet your every desire. Knowing God’s heart toward us helps us to ask boldly. So, immerse yourself in the words of life. Not just cute inspirational sayings, but the Word of God.

‘Have You Stopped Asking?’

I was praying with a friend once about something she had been asking God for, and she had become so disheartened in thinking God was not listening to her requests. Then suddenly, she said to me, ‘when did I stop asking? I just realized I’ve stopped asking. It’s just been so long, and I’m believing the lie that God isn’t going to answer me.’

We’ve all been there, right? Sometimes, when the answer is taking a long time, we quiet down our prayers just a little. We settle for average and find a spiritual level that is more comfortable. Often we don’t want to keep hoping because it is just too hard in our natural strength.

But Hope is our confident expectation; it’s not wishful thinking. Hope is our anchor when rough seas come and our anchor that keeps us tied to the truth. I challenged someone a few weeks ago about going to God in prayer, and she responded, ‘Oh no, I couldn’t ask God for that! I should just be happy. I don’t want to jinx what I have!’ There is, of course, some truth in learning to be content, but always remember the heart of God toward you. He is not about to ‘jinx you!’

Remember that God is able. Ephesians 3 is a great ‘go-to’ scripture to stir up your faith. So don’t give up asking!

‘Do You Believe?’

Just believe. This might sound a bit ‘happy-clappy’ or a bit too pentecostal for some of you and make you feel uncomfortable, but Mark 9:23 says, ‘all things are possible to those who believe.’

Ps Joseph Prince writes about the Woman with the issue of Blood; ‘something happened to her when “she heard about Jesus” (Mark 5:27). She started believing that He could and would heal her to the extent that she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well” (Mark 5:28). Acting on her belief, she made her way to Jesus and touched His garment. Immediately, her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was healed of that affliction.’

If you have trouble believing, then ask for the faith to believe. I have realized that whatever you believe in must get into your spirit before it comes into Your life. Receive it in your heart, have it in your life.

CONCLUSION

God has prepared great things for you, and as we pray, our hearts are positioned to hear what the Spirit is saying. Lean into faith environments, get around people who will speak about the miracles and power of God, and let that stir you up, leading you to greater faith. Faith that you can act upon.

So, we are going to ask.

Ask that your unbelief turns into belief. Ask for salvation for your household, favour, and influence in your business, and healing in your body and emotions. We are going to ask for protection for your children, greater ministry released in your life, and greater job opportunities. Whatever the circumstance you find yourself in right now, ask God for His provision, favour, power, and breakthrough.

AMEN.

Love Darls xx