• Blog
    • All Posts
    • Write for Salt + Sparrow
    • Contributors
  • Spiritual Growth
    • Personal Testimonies
    • Spiritual Growth Scriptures
  • Devotionals
    • Bible Studies
    • Prayers
  • Christian Lifestyle
    • Motherhood
    • Purpose
  • Christian Resources
    • Christian Blogging Tips

Salt + Sparrow

Ask, Seek, Knock
Spiritual Growth

Ask, Seek, Knock

October 17, 2021

“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.”. 

Matthew 7:7-8

Had I been a boy, my name would have been Matthew. My Mother shared this with me many years ago. I have always been partial to the name, feeling like it somehow subconsciously represented the male version of myself I would never know.

Ironic how one of my favorite Biblical verses is found in the book of Matthew. Coincidence? Or kismet-inspired drawing to a man in which I had a fifty percent chance of sharing a namesake? Either way, he was a pretty wise and willing follower of Jesus who left some invaluable life advice, the likes of which the world has never since known. 

I used to think this verse depicted God in an all-powerful, golden hue, genie/Santa Claus-esque role, doling out presents here and there as He saw fit. A puppy for you! Yes! That house you have always wanted? Sure! The job you applied for has been granted. The lottery? Ok! A baby? As you wish…

Not so. Life has taught me many lessons. One of which is we do not always get what we want, what we think we need, and what we subsequently pray for. I used to think I got the short end of life’s inevitable stick of fairness. That was when I lived a life comparing my own to others. Of course, no one ever wins in the infamous game of comparison. 

ask and you shall receive

Upon entering my thirties, life took me on a roller coaster of surprise, grief, anxiety, and devastation as well as immeasurable joy, answered prayers, a love I had never known, and higher highs than John Denver sang about in one of his most genius lyrical masterpieces ever, Rocky Mountain High (inspired by the majestic Rocky Mountains in Colorado).

What I realized though, is this: when God’s inspired Word encourages us to ask, seek and knock, it is not necessarily for material things, relationships, situations, possessions, or even life experiences. 

The ultimate meaning behind these simple yet poignant words depicts a need for something far greater.

Wisdom, discernment, inspiration, the ability to persist, the desire to learn from mistakes, the need to seek wise counsel when life goes rogue, the strength to get up after a hard, prideful, and self-injuring fall.

The will to keep going, try again, and maybe even use what you have learned to assist others. I believe that is what Jesus meant in the book of Matthew when he called his followers and friends to ask, seek, and knock. 

I still pray for what I want. Obviously. I am human, after all. Yet, in the back of my mind, there is a still small voice that whispers, This may not be best for you, child. I humbly, at times, disappointedly, resign myself to an answer. Whether it be yes, no, wait, or, my personal favorite…something way better is on the horizon. 

There is no such thing as unanswered prayer. I believe God faithfully hears each and every prayer from the lips of his beloved children. He subsequently answers based on His all-knowing wisdom, not on human un-knowing wisdom. I am so thankful for this. 

My heavenly Father sees the big picture while I only see a small part. He sees the forest while I see the smallest sprig of a sapling just starting her long enduring journey in the forest of life. 

God’s answer may not always be exactly what I pray for. However, time and time again, He has proven His answers are always best. I will always find solace in knowing the answers meant for me; to better, grow, encourage, and fulfill me, lie in wait. 

All I have to do is simply, humbly and reverently ask.

0 Comments
Share
Manndi Wilkins

Manndi Maphies DeBoef works at the UMKC School of Pharmacy and as a freelance writer in her spare time. Her greatest passion is being a boy mom to her two rambunctious, creative, endearing sons, William, age 11 and Waylan, nearly 9. Her sons never fail to provide daily entertainment, which inspires many of her writings. She also loves to write about everything from being a single mom and dating after divorce to finding love later in life, the devastation of miscarriage, the loss of a loved one and starting over. Her pieces are lovingly filled with inspiration, encouragement and always a touch of humor. “Live a life others wish to read about.”

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

You May Also Like

November 26, 2021

There’s Only One Direction

November 29, 2021

On Being a Writer

March 7, 2023

Get to Know the Author of the Bible

Grab your coffee and stay awhile

Welcome to Salt + Sparrow, a place where we learn about Jesus, the Bible, and find big faith in small things.

This. 💛 This. 💛
🙏🏻 #amen @fruitfulgirl 🙏🏻 #amen

@fruitfulgirl
Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesan Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesandcoffee 🙏🏻❤️

#bibleverse #bible #livingbyfaith
Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed #go Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed 

#godisgood #becauseofjesus #christiangirl #christianmom #faithblogger
Follow on Instagram

Currently Praying For

Currently Praying For

Nashville

Shop Our Favorites

Bible Study Tools

She Who Is - Christian Apparel

Christian Growth Hub

Truly Simply Healthy

Daily Grace Co.

Bible Studies

Blog

Recent Posts

  • black woman in prayer

    Jesus, I Trust In You

    March 28, 2023
  • Christian Blogger

    Christian Blogging 101: How to Get Started

    March 23, 2023
  • Jesus Revolution movie review

    Jesus Revolution Movie Review

    March 21, 2023
  1. Natasha on Christian Blogging 101: How to Get StartedMarch 26, 2023

    Hey Sandy! So glad you liked the post! Honestly - the biggest thing with publishing new posts is to be…

  2. Sandy Brannan on Christian Blogging 101: How to Get StartedMarch 26, 2023

    Very helpful! Thanks for writing this. What are your thoughts on how often a writer should post a new blog…

  3. Manndi on True Love Comes from GodMarch 10, 2023

    Thank you for the kind words, Sandy! So happy to see you (and your beautiful words) in this space!

  4. Helen on Get to Know the Author of the BibleMarch 7, 2023

    Great story comparison. We need our Bible every day to encourage us how to build our lives to please the…

  5. Sandy on True Love Comes from GodFebruary 15, 2023

    Breathtaking! Oh how He loves you and me! What a lovely way to share the love of Jesus.

Proverbs 16:16

"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!"

About

This. 💛 This. 💛
🙏🏻 #amen @fruitfulgirl 🙏🏻 #amen

@fruitfulgirl
Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesan Thankful for this truthful reminder from @biblesandcoffee 🙏🏻❤️

#bibleverse #bible #livingbyfaith
Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed #go Best compliment ever 🙏🏻 @shelivesfreed 

#godisgood #becauseofjesus #christiangirl #christianmom #faithblogger
Thanks for this reminder, @itskellydiane - I for o Thanks for this reminder, @itskellydiane - I for one needed it tonight ❤️

#christianmom #christianmomlife #christianmotherhood #faithfulmom #christianity
Follow on Instagram

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2023 Salt + Sparrow. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.