You have not because you ask not

James 4:2 says, “You do not have because you do not ask.” We do not ask, and therefore we do not receive. We do not knock, and so the door is not opened to us. We do not seek, and thus we do not find.  

As a result, we receive no wisdom, we see few or no conversions, there is no deliverance, no spiritual growth, no transformation into the image of Christ - all of this, and much more, are the sad consequences of our laziness in prayer. Because of this, we miss many blessings, and the work of God suffers. 

One of the Wesley brothers once shared a dream he had. An angel led him through a vast warehouse in heaven, where boxes and shelves were stacked all the way to the ceiling. After they had looked at everything, he asked the angel what all these boxes meant and why they were here. The angel replied, “These are the answers to prayers that Christians never prayed.” 

Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission challenge us in this light. While many missionary organizations struggled or were deeply in debt, the China Inland Mission grew and flourished. It spread the gospel to millions and continually sent out new workers. This was the result of the faithful prayers of Hudson Taylor and his team. 

It is not very wise to think we can do fruitful work for God without bathing it thoroughly in prayer - both our own and that of others. 

M.K.