Ask, Seek, Knock

What if you asked God for something specific? What if you were only seven years old? The young woman, stretched out in a posture of worship, arrived in answer to her older brother's prayers. He'd been in our home a year when he started that prayer. Six months later, Bill and I were ready to start the paperwork process for a second child. The agency approved and placed us on the central registry in January. Cody had persisted in prayer every night for a baby sister for a year. Bill and I were a little more cautious since we'd been told the wait time for a baby was lengthy. Have you ever wished for the faith of a child? A faith that is confident in the giver of good gifts?

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened...how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Mt. 7:7-12 NIV)

I've just been reading a book that is centered on prayer by Paul Y Cho. He talks about being very specific about what you ask for when you pray. Then he talks about seeking the Lord, for it is in our intimate relationship with him we experience sweet communion and companionship. God talks back through His Word, through our surroundings and in our minds, through the Holy Spirit who indwells us. Intercession is knocking on the doors God shows us. It may be for a family member, it may be for a circumstance or a nation. We pray until the door opens or we have a peace that we've broken through the barrier and God has answered. (Prayer: Key to Revival)

It turns out our daughter was born in January 2006 and she became ours in May 2007. Our son jumped up and down for joy at the news that God answered his prayer. It was his door to knock on and he didn't give up. He delighted in telling people his sister was an answer to prayer. It thrilled him to take her to school for show and tell in Grade 2. I'd post that picture, but I think I'd get in trouble with my daughter! His baby sister was born the month Cody started praying for her. Sometimes we don't always get to see what God is doing behind the scenes, but He is always faithful to answer.