You ASK Not

By B.J. Bassett

You have not because you ask not.

I was raised during a time when children were seen and not heard. I was also taught to never ask for anything. I learned my lesson well, because I never did, that is, until recently.

My husband, Ed, and I bought a new home and furniture. It was an exciting adventure. I found a curio cabinet that I fell in love with and the wood matched our dining room set. I wanted it. Ed said no! I was shocked.

During our forty-seven years of marriage Ed had only said no to me a few times. Disappointed, I went back to our motel room and waited for our new home to be ready to move into. That night I prayed, “Dear Lord, I feel so selfish, but I’d really like to have that curio cabinet. Your Word says, ‘You have not, because you ask not.’ James 4:2. So I’m asking, Lord, only if it’s Your will. Amen.”

The next morning we received a phone call from the builder to come right over to our new house-- there’s a problem. They had built the garage too close to the sidewalk and we needed to make a decision. We could either wait longer to move in while they put the garage further back on the lot, or they’d pay us to keep it where it was. We decided to keep it where it was and take the money.

Later that day Ed said, “You can have the curio cabinet.” I was so delighted, not only was I getting the curio cabinet, I learned a valuable lesson. God wants to bless us. We miss many of God’s blessings because we don’t ask.

B.J. Bassett writes from Roseburg, Oregon. bassett106@charter.net