Be Specific.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7 (NKJV)

Have you ever thought you understood something completely…only to find out you completely didn’t? Welcome to my daughter Lila’s 3rd Quarter WIG Goals.

The instructions from her teacher were clear — or so we thought. Parents received emails saying students needed 15 lessons at 80% or higher to participate in the special event. No problem, right? We were on it! Fast forward to the day everything was due, and surprise: it wasn’t 15 total lessons — it was 15 in reading AND 15 in math! Thirty lessons. Double the work. Cue the confusion, frustration, and maybe a few choice Christian words like “mercy” and “bless it!”

Now, what’s the point here besides a funny parent fail? Be specific.

Lila’s teacher could have been more specific, and we would have known exactly what was expected. In the same way, when we pray, Jesus encourages us to Ask, Seek, and Knock. (Matthew 7:7, NKJV)

Notice He didn’t say, “Hint vaguely and hope I figure it out.” He said ask. Be clear. Be bold. Be specific.

God loves hearing from you. He already knows your heart (Psalm 139:4), but He invites you to ask because relationship matters. Imagine your kid walking up to you saying, “I want something.” You’d respond, “Okay…what something?” It’s the same with our Heavenly Father.

Also, remember the difference between a NEED and a WANT. Philippians 4:19 (NKJV) promises, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Your needs will be provided. But Psalm 37:4 (NKJV) says, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Desires? Those are your wants. God isn’t just a provider of the bare minimum — He loves to bless your heart too.

But you gotta know what you want. Otherwise, you might show up on “due date” and realize you were asking for 15 lessons when you needed 30 all along. (Just saying. 😅)

Today’s Challenge:
When you pray today, don’t just divvy up a general “bless me” prayer. Get specific.

• What do you really want?
• What are you seeking?
• Where are you knocking?

And trust that the One who hears you… is ready to answer — with clarity and love.

Blessings!
Pastor Jonathan Pannell