Former Blackout Artist

“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Luke 11:9-10

One day many years ago I was playing a video game with my son on his Playstation. For the life of me I could never win a single game. Finally one day he told me his secret. “I’ve been using a cheat code,” he said. “What is that?” I asked. “It’s a secret code that gives my character superhuman strength,” he replied. “But you have to know where to look for it before you can find it.”

In Luke 11:9-10, Jesus is giving us the cheat code, the secret, for answered prayers. “Keep on asking,” he says. “Keep on seeking,” he tells us. “Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

Ever notice how small children never give up on something they have their hearts set on? They’re obsessed with whatever that item is. It’s all they think about. It’s all they talk about. It’s all they dream about. They will not stop until they get whatever it is their heart desires.

Persistence! No matter how many times they’re told “no,” it doesn’t phase them. If anything, it causes them to double-down and want it even more! They do this because they have faith that if they persist, mom or dad will eventually give in.

This is precisely the mindset Jesus is suggesting, this childlike attitude of persistence.

“You fathers – if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask you for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:11-13)

God desires to shower us with good gifts. He delights most in giving us the gift of His presence, guidance, comfort, and empowerment through His Holy Spirit. But He wants us to keep coming to Him and asking. He wants us to keep seeking Him. He wants us to keep knocking on the door. Jesus tells us to have a persistent, childlike attitude in prayer that never stops asking, never stops seeking, never stops knocking on His door.

So don’t give up. Maybe God has something even greater in store for you than what your heart and mind can possibly fathom. But you must remain persistent in your faith. If what you’re asking from Him is righteous and honorable in His eyes, He will respond.

Heavenly Father, thank you for being a loving and generous Father. I am grateful for the gift of the Holy Spirit in my life. Fill me afresh today with Your Spirit, guiding me, empowering me, and transforming into the person You created me to be. Help me to trust in Your love and provision, knowing that You always give good gifts to those who seek You. In Jesus’ name, amen.