January 12

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. — Matt 7:7 BSB

We must not only ask but also receive. We must take our place in faith, acknowledging that we are in it. A friend once said, "I want to be in the will of God." The response was, "Will you step into the will of God? And are you in the will of God now?" This question stirred a new thought. The friend realized they had been striving to get into the blessing they sought but had not received it.

Jesus said, "Ask and you shall receive." Often, the very strain we put on ourselves keeps the blessing away. The intense effort we exert binds us, keeping us from receiving what God is eager to give. "Whoever is willing, let them take the water of life freely."

He tells me there is cleansing
From every secret sin,
And a great and full salvation
To keep the heart within.
And I take Him in His fullness,
With all His glorious grace,
For He says it is mine by taking,
And I take just what He says.