Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
(Matthew 7:7, NIV)
God wants us to involve him in the pursuit of our desires. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals a simple but profound three-step process to help us: ask, seek, and knock.
When we are looking for something, we usually change this sequence. First, we begin by seeking. Then we knock on various doors to see if any will open. And then finally, we ask a person hoping to get the answer we desire.
Did Jesus make a mistake with this sequence? Why did he begin with “ask”? The answer is actually quite obvious. Jesus is not talking about asking a person. He is telling us to ask God before we even begin seeking and knocking.
Ask
Have you ever asked someone you didn’t know for something significant? If so, deep down you probably doubted you would get what you wanted. That’s because usually, the depth of the relationship needs to be in proportion to the size of the request.
Jesus tells us to ask our heavenly Father (see Matthew 7:9–11). We begin by asking him for the things we desire. We go to him because we know he cares. We go to him because he wants to be involved in our lives.
Prayer changes things in the spiritual realm when we ask according to God’s guidelines (see 1 John 5:14–15; Matthew 21:22; James 4:3; 1 John 3:21–22; John 15:7; John 15:16; Luke 18:1,6–8).
However, it may take time before that change becomes noticeable in the physical realm. By faith, make it a habit to thank God for his answer while you wait for its manifestation.
Demonstrate your faith and anticipation by “seeking” and “knocking.”
“We cannot rely on God’s promises without obeying his commandments.”
—John Calvin
Seek
Why does God want us to seek after asking him for what we desire? Seeking implies faith and expectation. Do you believe in God’s ability to fulfill your desire? Are you trusting that he cares enough about you to follow through? Are your motives for the request according to God’s standards?
Work through whatever issues you may have so that you can actively watch and expect God to act on your behalf. The apostle Paul tells us, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2, NIV).
Look for possible ways through which God may answer your prayer. With an attitude of expectation and anticipation, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Stay alert; if you believe God has answered your prayer, you will be looking for its manifestation.
Knock
God doesn’t just want you to watch for opportunities expectantly, he also wants you to put your feet to your faith. As the Holy Spirit makes you aware of possibilities, be faithful to pursue them. Knock on the door of a possibility to see if it will open wide or slam shut.
What God doesn’t answer immediately he will answer eventually. As you walk by faith, continue to thank God for his answer. Although you do not know when it will arrive, it will be on schedule according to his timetable. Keep on thanking him for his promise: “For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:8, NIV).