I was at our public library one evening with my husband as he was conducting some business. I heard the Holy Spirit say, “ask the librarian how you can get your book on the shelf?” I initially dismissed it because that was not what I was there for.

Again, “ask the librarian how to get your book on the shelf at the library!” This time I yielded to the voice of the Holy Spirit. I took a deep breath, “excuse me sir, I’m a published author and I was wondering what’s the process on my book becoming a part of Westchester library’s catalog?” The librarian gave me the information. I went home and did as instructed.

Two weeks later, I had not heard a response. I called the library to see if my email was received. About an hour after I called, I receive an email stating “sorry for the delay.” “Your book was purchased the next day after you spoke with the librarian, it arrived, is processed, cataloged, and sitting on the shelf in the new book section of the library.”

WOW!!!!

This testimony is not about “my book.” It is about obedience, yielding to the voice of the Holy Spirit and not questioning God.

Me asking the librarian about adding my book to the catalog was a bit out of my comfort zone. Nevertheless, out of obedience, I just asked.

Scripture tells me “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you( Matthew 7:7).

There may be times in our lives when we do not ask due to fear, rejection, feeling of unworthiness, laziness. I could go on and on.

So, what is the worst that could happen if you just ask? Better yet what is the best that could happen if you just ask?

Lot was saved from destruction because Abraham asked (Genesis 19:1-29).

Solomon asked for wisdom and received it (2 Chronicles 1:7-12).

The children of Israel were delivered from slavery in Egypt because they asked(Exodus 3:7).

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples for forty days. Jesus gave them important instructions to ask for the Holy Spirit, power, boldness, and wisdom for preaching. The disciples received because the asked (Acts 1:4-5; Luke 11:13; John 14:16; John 20:21-22).

The two blind men said to Jesus, “Lord let our eyes be opened” immediately their sight was recovered (Matthew 20:29-34)

Jesus asked for cup to be removed and God’s will was done(Matthew 26:39).

When you “just ask” be prepared for God to “just answer” according to His will, purpose, and glory.

Prayer: Father God I come to you asking forgiveness for believing the lies of the enemy when it comes to seeking You. Thank You for always being approachable. Thank You for Your Word that reminds me You will never leave nor forsake me. I humbly seek Your wisdom and guidance for my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

PEARLStoPONDER: What is hindering you from “just asking?”

Matthew 21:22-- And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

John 15:7-- If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 14:13-14-- Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

John 16:23-24--²³ In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. ²⁴ Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

1 John 3:22--  And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.

James 4:3-- You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.