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

CONTEXT! Oh my goodness. This verse has been taken out of context so many times. Used in ways that inevitably cause discouragement, even as far as a crisis of faith. It is said that “Scripture will interpret Scripture.” In the sense that Scripture must not contradict itself. The most secure way I know for that to not happen is to read passages within context.

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 “Your will be done.” (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.

As children we wanted everything, didn’t we? When we went to our folks, we asked, begged, and nagged for what we wanted. 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, boy was I disappointed. To the point I questioned their love for me.

Although, many years later, my Heavenly Father did give me a dolphin encounter that was precious.

Our Father will always give us His will 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. Because, the last thing we need is a dolphin swimming around in a kiddie pool.

Shabbat shalom!