For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it shall be opened.  Matthew 7:8, TLV

A Dolphin in a Kiddie Pool?   CONTEXT! Oh, my goodness. This verse has been taken out of context so many times. Used in ways that inevitably cause discouragement, even a crisis of faith.

It is said that “Scripture will interpret Scripture.” In the sense that Scripture must not contradict itself. The simplest way I know for that to not happen is to read passages within context — at least the whole chapter, when possible.

For example, this verse seems to imply that we’ll receive anything we ask for. Yet, when Yeshua taught us to pray to His Father it was with the understanding of the Father’s will be done — not ours. (Matthew 6:10)

When Jesus was hours from the worst torture any human could endure, He personified His Father’s will.

Going a little farther, He fell face down and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me! Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Jesus in Matthew 26:39, TLV [Emphasis Mine]

When Yeshua taught the multitudes, and He spoke of asking the Father for our needs, it was always with the understanding that the Father knows best. How will we know that will if we don’t seek, ask, or knock?

We Want What We Want

As children we wanted what we wanted, didn’t we? When we went to our folks, we asked, begged, and nagged for what we desired. Did we always receive what we wanted? Of course not.

I wanted a dolphin and an elephant for pets. Fortunately, my parents were wise and didn’t give me what I wanted. But I was disappointed! To the point I questioned their love for me.

Still, many years later, my Heavenly Father did give me a dolphin encounter while in Jamaica. It was so precious.

Our Father will always give us His will — in due season — when we ask for it. Always. Because, He’s our Daddy. So, it’s in our best interests to always pray for His will to be done, not our own. To seek His will. To knock when the door presents itself.

Because the last thing we need is a dolphin flopping around in a kiddie pool.