A Lesson on Asking from My Little Daughter!

A Lesson on Asking from My Little Daughter

One Friday night, I came home late from work. I had a lot to do at the office, so I stayed back to finish up. By the time I got home, my little daughter was already asleep at our neighbor’s house because her mother was out of town.

That night, I had an all-night prayer vigil to attend. So, I quickly refreshed myself, got ready, and left for the vigil. Things got even busier when I returned in the morning. I took a bath, packed my things, and prepared for work again—this time at 6 a.m. on a Saturday! It was an unusually hectic weekend.

I didn’t realize my little girl was already awake. Just as I was about to leave, she came to me. Since her mother was expected back that morning, I tried persuading her to stay at the neighbor’s place until she arrived. It took some effort, but she finally agreed.

As I was about to go, she called out, “Daddy!” I turned to her. She motioned for me to come closer. Even though I was in a hurry, I walked back and stooped down so I could hear her. In a soft voice, she whispered into my ear, “Buy me something when you’re coming back.”

At that moment, I felt a burden. Even though she didn’t specify what she wanted, I kept thinking about it. Throughout the day, I asked my colleagues for suggestions on what to buy for her. I kept pondering until I finally decided on something.

Now, I am just an earthly father—a caretaker of this child. But think about this:

"If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him?" – Matthew 7:11

My daughter asked (Matthew 7:7), and I could not refuse or deny her request. How much more will God, our perfect Father, give us what we ask of Him?

There is nothing we can ask of God that He cannot do. If even flawed human parents cannot deny their children, what do you think of the Lord? Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

In verse 27, Jesus tells us that all things have been given to Him. This is a universal invitation—no matter who you are or where you come from. We can receive anything from God through Jesus Christ.

God’s Word assures us in 1 Peter 5:7:
"Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you."

Did you notice it says ALL your cares—not some, but everything? God knows what you need, and He wants to give you rest in every area of your life.

How to Receive from God

We will never receive anything from God unless we ask according to His will:
"And this is the confidence that we have in Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." – 1 John 5:14-15

My daughter asked in faith, fully confident that I would answer her. This is how we should approach God. However, God's blessings come with conditions. If you want to receive from Him, it must be on His terms, not yours.

Here are five key steps to receiving from God:

1. Seek God's Kingdom first – Matthew 6:33
   → When you put God first, everything else falls into place.

2. Ask Him – Matthew 7:7-8
   → Be specific in your request. My daughter didn’t tell me exactly what she wanted, and that made it harder for me to decide. When you ask God, be clear about what you need.

3. Ask in Jesus' name – John 16:23
   → "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." – Acts 4:12

4. Believe and do not doubt – Mark 11:24
   → This is where many Christians struggle.

   “Whatever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.”

   This is like a blank check! There are no limits on what you can ask. God can do exceedingly, abundantly more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). But notice—you must believe that you have received it while you are still praying! You don’t pray now and receive later. You receive by faith in the moment of prayer. Even though God already knows your needs, He still wants you to ask.

5. Keep thanking God for answered prayers – Philippians 4:6
   → No matter how long it takes, continue to thank Him until you see the physical manifestation of what you have already received in the Spirit.

Final Thought

If you follow these steps and ask in faith, God will richly provide for your needs so that your joy may be full.