The Gospel of Matthew quotes Jesus when he said, “ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened for you.” All three — ask, seek and knock are actions that require something of us, don’t they? We have to open our mouths and speak, we have to wander, inspect and look around, we have to raise our arms and wrap our knuckles or fists on the door.

I believe God wants us to be intentional in how we approach him. God wants for us to pursue him, chase him, seek after him. Sure God is always there, but God wants a relationship with us. Taking the initiative on our part is the first step.

I remember when the kids were young and just learning to talk. They would come to us and grab us by the hand to lead us to the pantry. Once there they would point, stretch, and strain to try and show us what they wanted. We would constantly have to say, “use your words.” That’s what we need to do to have an intimate relationship with God. Speak, ask, and if it’s in God’s will for your life, receive.

God’s not hard to find. We are normally blinded by our own agendas and ambitions that we don’t even see him. However, if we seek him, search after him, then he will make himself available. We will find him, and our lives will be different forever after that.

Knocking is scary. We don’t know what’s on the other side of the door. We don’t know the expectations that might come by walking through it. But with the trust in the One who answers and opens it; we can have the confidence it takes to walk into a new way of life.

Ask

Seek

Knock

You can do it. Use your words and take the initiative today!

Tim Beck is pastor of Kenbridge United Methodist Church. His email address is revtimbeck@gmail.com.