As volunteer taxi driver for my 11-year old daughter, Jasmine, I received an amazing revelation. Jasmine and a teammate ran the car eager to head to basketball practice. Full of energy from God only knows where, they hopped in offering half-hearted greetings (parents you know the drill). Less than 30 seconds into our trip, Jasmine’s guest reached for the radio tuner and boldly asks “can I turn this?” Stunned, I gulped. (Ok, let me be transparent, I was appalled!) My emotions went from shocked and offended to defensive in 1.7 seconds flat, and finally landed at impressed. Seriously, I could not imagine why this little girl would dare get into my car (for the first time might I add), reach for my radio, and ask to change my station. Did she not know that she was 11 years old?
An even bigger surprise was the overwhelming sense of calmness that came over me as I thought about the confidence she exuded. How impressive to see a child so self-aware that without hesitation she asks for exactly what she wants. AND expects to get it (she was already reaching for the knob!). Grace, (that is her name) was in no way rude or disrespectful. Rather, her behavior was bold, courageous, and expectant. I thought about myself and how cautious and careful I am when asking for what I want (and sometimes what I need), often rationalizing things in my mind and usually ending up talking myself out of receiving what rightfully belongs to me. I try to predict God’s response to my plea, and rather than boldly stating my request with “earnest expectation,” I say it and wish for a “yes”. Has that ever happened to you?
Do you know that even the slightest bit of reluctance renders you unstable and causes a delay in your progress? James 1:6-8 teaches us to “ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose he will receive anything from the Lord; he is double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (NKJV).
Your journey makes no room for uncertainty and hesitation. Your mission is critical. As continue in life and ministry, be bold! Approach every endeavor with earnest expectation for God’s BEST! Remember little Miss Grace, and ask for what you want in faith, nothing wavering. You just might get it!