Matt 7: 7-11 (Full Version)

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RubySparkles -> Matt 7: 7-11 (4/6/2008 3:41:14 PM)

How do those of you over 40/50 still wanting to get married feel when you read this? I mean those of you who're happy with whatever God wants, great! But what about anyone who's still not happy being single?



9drtr -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/6/2008 4:24:15 PM)

At times that passage makes me cry. Other times it makes me swear. Other times it gives me hope.

At times it makes me feel abandoned by God. Once in a long while it makes me question my salvation.



LoyalGypsy -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/6/2008 5:23:05 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: RubySparkles

How do those of you over 40/50 still wanting to get married feel when you read this? I mean those of you who're happy with whatever God wants, great! But what about anyone who's still not happy being single?



Greetings,



Matthew 7
7:7
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

What are we asking for??

7:8
For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Are we asking for the right thing??



LG



John_O -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/6/2008 5:27:10 PM)

I'm seeking, I'm asking, and when the time is right I will find. God gives his children good things.



9drtr -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/6/2008 6:54:51 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: John_O

I'm seeking, I'm asking, and when the time is right I will find. God gives his children good things.


When? This millennium or next? Or the one after that?



Focusing -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/6/2008 7:56:30 PM)

Matt 7:7-11 brings Psalm 37:4 to mind Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.

I agree, what are we asking for and are we asking for the right thing?

Or ....... are we asking God to give us what WE want, and ignoring what HE knows to be the right thing for us?



utilityfielder -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/6/2008 8:42:20 PM)

I agree with both Sam and Gypsy.

We should be asking that God's will be done.



John_O -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/6/2008 9:26:04 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: 9drtr

quote:

ORIGINAL: John_O

I'm seeking, I'm asking, and when the time is right I will find. God gives his children good things.


When? This millennium or next? Or the one after that?



Unfortunately the scriptures do not hold God to a time table. I would have thought that I'd have at least met the new wife by now.

One thing I see is that lost people tend to get remarried incredibly quick. And we could do that too if we wanted to settle for what they are settling for. But Christians are pickier. We want what God wants for us, and we are willing to work for it, or wait for it, whichever path he puts us on.

In the meantime all we can do is equip ourselves to be teh best husbands/wives we can be when that time comes. Not that the prep will hurry the time along but it sure will make the marrige more fun when it gets here.



9drtr -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/7/2008 7:28:27 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Focusing

I agree, what are we asking for and are we asking for the right thing?



How can we tell if we are asking for the right thing? Can it be that what I ask for - no matter what it is - is wrong?

How can I tell what God wants me to ask for if God leaves me with a fragmented heart, leaves me in such bitterness, frustration, anguish, exhaustion, anger, fear that I can't even seek His will?

Should my prayer be "God, do whatever"?

I do not recall that Jesus' prayer life was so hyperspiritualized that He made no practical requests.

I have prayed for a wife. I have prayed for God to make me a man to whom He would give a wife. I have prayed for God to take away all desire for a wife if it was not His will that I have one. I have prayed never again to hope that never again would I be disappointed. God has said no to the last two, and certainly has not said yes to the first two.

It isn't just - hmmm, singleness issues - but my entire life. I prayed for a job in the fall of 2001, and got one that sent me into a tailspin of depression by mid December. I prayed for a job in the fall of 2002, and got one, in July 2006, after four horrific, depressing, miserable, and sometimes terrifying years. And the job I have requires almost twenty hours a week of commuting and forces me out of bed five hours before God designed my body to rise. It provides nothing more than a paycheck that vanishes by the time the next arrives. And it robs me of not only the time I should be writing, but the time I should be praying as well.

What is God doing? It almost seems that He's doing nothing more than jerking me around. And if that isn't enough, I get slapped with "If your life isn't perfect it's because you're praying wrong."

Thanks. I needed that. It feels almost as good as third-degree burns.



John_O -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/7/2008 8:53:34 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: 9drtr

quote:

ORIGINAL: Focusing

I agree, what are we asking for and are we asking for the right thing?



How can we tell if we are asking for the right thing? Can it be that what I ask for - no matter what it is - is wrong?


If what you are asking for is in line with God's word (and a wife is) and it is the sincere desire of your heart, then you are praying right.


quote:

And if that isn't enough, I get slapped with "If your life isn't perfect it's because you're praying wrong."


I don't think it was meant that way at all. It was more of a reminder. Sometimes we do ask for things that are not in our best interest. And this was a reminder to watch out for that. There are times when it's just not wise to get married (for example, starting a 4 year deployment overseas. It's unfair to have her wait at home alone 4 years. KWIM?)

I don't think asking for a helpmate is ever wrong however.



9drtr -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/7/2008 10:51:22 PM)

Admittedly, I likely overreacted.

My frustration level these days is unreal, because of my singleness, my job, my inability to pursue the fields that I love and that I believe God intends. I feel like I've been in a holding pattern for thirty years. Sometimes I wonder if I'll meet the woman of my dreams only when I'm in the final stages of senile decrepitude, and am down to three hairs and one tooth.

If I get married when I'm ninety and drooling, will I care? Will I even know?

What is a man when the last of his hopes and dreams are gone? Will I even be the person God made if I can never get my books out of storage? If I can never write another story? If I can never....



Focusing -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/8/2008 12:22:36 AM)

Edwin, honestly, I didn't mean it as a slam. I'm so sorry if it came across that way. Believe me when I tell you I have been places in my life that I don't care to discuss publicly. I can't say I understand what you're going through, because I don't - everyone's cross to bear is very different, but my heart has been ripped out of my chest and I have been to a place where I have shaken my fists at God and screamed WHY??? And I have learned that an angry why often receives no answers - whereas a why sought with a humble heart and seeking God's face has yielded so much more.

Last year, after taking time since my divorce and some extremely difficult circumstances that I had to get through, my prayer to God was very simple for what I wanted. It was a deeply personal prayer, and God answered it in the most surprising way. In fact, it was months before I even realized He had answered that prayer - and that's when it really hit me deep in my heart - THAT was the type of request He wanted me to ask for. And that's why this verse means so very much to me. Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.

I am lifting you in prayer.

((((( Edwin )))))



BlessedAngel1983 -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/8/2008 12:45:32 AM)

I know i'm not in the same age category that you listed above, but I understand.

I've never been married. All of my friends are, have been or are getting married. I've never understood why I have been left out. I've been angry, sad, depressed, i've wrote the lists, i've done everything that I could think of.

Then one day it dawned on me, maybe God isn't ready for me to be married yet. He's answered my prayers, its just not the answer I wanted. He's just told me "now isn't the right time".

Last fall I had my heart broken by a guy I had known and loved for years. If that hadn't happened though I wouldn't be where I am today. If I were in any kind of relationship I never would've auditioned for the group I sing with now and I would've missed out on an important ministry opportunity.

Even now I wonder. I look at all the people in the group and they are paired off perfectly, then there is me. I know that God will provide though. The prayer I pray today is a lot different than it used to be. I used to ask for a man to make me happy. Now I ask for God's will to be done.

I have a lot of people that are younger than me ask how i've been single for so long, the answer I tell them is "Its not quantity in who you date or are with, its the quality of meeting the one person you know you'll spend the rest of your life together".



WaitingforBoaz -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/8/2008 3:05:18 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: 9drtr

How can we tell if we are asking for the right thing? Can it be that what I ask for - no matter what it is - is wrong?


No. Pray anything that agrees with the Word of God. Keep praying!

quote:

How can I tell what God wants me to ask for if God leaves me with a fragmented heart, leaves me in such bitterness, frustration, anguish, exhaustion, anger, fear that I can't even seek His will?

Should my prayer be "God, do whatever"?


Pray for whatever it is that you heart desires, just pray realizing that the answer may not be what you want right now, but in the light of eternity, will be best for you.

quote:

I do not recall that Jesus' prayer life was so hyperspiritualized that He made no practical requests.


Your right, His prayers were simple “If you are willing” & “Yet not my will, but yours be done” Luke 22:42

quote:

I have prayed for a wife. I have prayed for God to make me a man to whom He would give a wife. I have prayed for God to take away all desire for a wife if it was not His will that I have one. I have prayed never again to hope that never again would I be disappointed. God has said no to the last two, and certainly has not said yes to the first two.

It isn't just - hmmm, singleness issues - but my entire life. I prayed for a job in the fall of 2001, and got one that sent me into a tailspin of depression by mid December. I prayed for a job in the fall of 2002, and got one, in July 2006, after four horrific, depressing, miserable, and sometimes terrifying years. And the job I have requires almost twenty hours a week of commuting and forces me out of bed five hours before God designed my body to rise. It provides nothing more than a paycheck that vanishes by the time the next arrives. And it robs me of not only the time I should be writing, but the time I should be praying as well.

What is God doing? It almost seems that He's doing nothing more than jerking me around. And if that isn't enough, I get slapped with "If your life isn't perfect it's because you're praying wrong."


No, He is not jerking you around, but He is the potter molding his clay and He is the one who put you into that refiners fire, purifying you and removing the dross from the top, only to turn the heat up once again to make you even more pure. The process is not fun but it is always worth it. (It seems like you have been going through a lot of this) Christians do not go through any of life’s difficulties for no reason. God has been working his will in our lives from day one. His ultimate goal is not to make us “happy” or to give us a “perfect” life. His main goal according to scripture is to bring about His will in our lives so that ultimately, we will wake up in his likeness.

(Disclaimer: I am not saying that it is not within His will for us to be happy or fulfilled in this life (or that it is). I am just saying that it is not His ultimate goal.)

As for the topic:
I have avoided answering because this scripture (IMHO) really cannot stand alone. In and of itself it is confusing and even frustrating. The above scriptures do not shed any light on its meaning, nor do the scriptures following. I have read it prayed it and hoped in it standing alone. However in light of the rest of scripture, I’m not positive I’m right in doing so.



mutinywxgirl -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/8/2008 5:59:58 AM)

I want to echo a lot of what Nadine has said (very wise words, and eloquently spoken).

Edwin - let me tell you a bit about my story. I am much like you, though I am 47. I have an amazing education that not many people have, yet I have to work 2 jobs to make ends meet - because I have not been able to break into my field of passion. I've had my degree since 1995, and nothing - absolutely nothing. I've had other jobs in fields I loved, but they were taken away from me. Yet never was I able to get something in what God clearly led me to do. Also, I've never been married - not even close. And like Terri, for the only time in my life I fell in love with someone 2 years ago and it was that experience that has gotten me to where I am today. And that is utterly and completely broken before God. I had to bury my dream of working in my field. So, what did God do? He gave me NEW dreams of working in my field via ministry and has opened COUNTLESS doors in that respect - so much so that I am getting to do something I've dreamed about for 30 years! Praise God! But, through this all - I have come to realize just how selfish I have been in my desires over the years, and how selfish I've been in doing things my own way. I have repented and spent several days prostrate before God asking Him to root out ALL the selfish ways in my heart and make my desires His desires. He's the ONLY reason for anything I do in this life - to bring Glory and Honor to Him. If I don't - them I am wrong. Brokenness is not fun, but it is necessary. Brokenness occurs when we stop wanting what WE want and desire what God wants. And when this happens, what we want becomes what God wants and it's SO MUCH BETTER than anything we could have ever imagined or dreamed.

So, now, for me, I am doing ministry work in my field of passion; I am potentially being brought back together with someone who has gone through a similar breaking and has the heart for God that I so desire in a man; I continue to be broken as God shows me the sin that remains in my life.

And you know what? I'M HAPPY!!!! I'M JOYFUL!!!! I'M HUNGRY FOR GOD!!!! If He never allows me to marry - it doesn't matter - because what He has allowed me to do in this life is for Him - and that's all that matters.

This is not said in any condemning way - it's said out of a heart of compassion.



tinydancer2 -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/8/2008 9:06:13 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: 9drtr

Admittedly, I likely overreacted.

My frustration level these days is unreal, because of my singleness, my job, my inability to pursue the fields that I love and that I believe God intends. I feel like I've been in a holding pattern for thirty years.

What is a man when the last of his hopes and dreams are gone? Will I even be the person God made if I can never get my books out of storage? If I can never write another story? If I can never....


Yes, it sucks big time Edwin! And on top of everything I think because of the commute and stress etc you are not getting sleep and being replenish on your energies every morning. Are you eating healthy and take your multi-vitamins?

I sure not walking in your shoes but I sure hear and feel your SOS ...andfor some reason it reminds Elijah's...dispair, descouragament, depression and went sit under the tree and fed up with everything! We all have been under that tree one way or the other. Yes, and deliverance came in many different forms in our particular circunstances. Praise God because by the time He rescue us from ourselves an circunstances we are in we are energized again in Him. Restoring the joy of our salvation as in this world we will have many tribulations but He was victor and we in Him and He in us we are victorious too!

May the Lord come quickly as ask what are you doing there Edwin! And just show up and remind you inside of His purposes to your life and His plans for you. Yep, you are man of God, a child of Him going through great stress and pressures inside and of life for long time. That is enough going like that and sure Abba Father will bring relief much needed. Yes! I believe He does it as we cry for help and listen for His instruction as there is a point we are in crossroads that He just must intervien, and not because of our much prayer and much bible studies and doings, but is because of His great love and care as He already did everything for us to live victorious. If you think as every good gift comes from Him the Father of Lights and we belong to Him because He first loved us, the grace, the peace, the faith is all, all belong to Him, sure He is very much own us fully and one way or another will show up as enlightining our own understanding that He is there all the time and we just be still and take His now instructions. Amem!

Lord God, Abba Father, we your children are asking with Edwin for you show up in Edwin's circunstances as You do so many times and we are in the end of the rope. Yes Lord, You have been doing it for long long time, and I remember what You did for Elijah's. It is written Father for us to see in the Word of Life and not death and defeat You gave us, all Your doings, in the affairs of men. We do belong to You dear Abba most graceful loving One. 30 years is a long long time to feel stucked and frustrated, Father. Please arise Lord and intervien in my brother circunstance in Your power. Brake the walls and wrong mindset and whatever You see the need of doing Father! We sure are waiting as always will for Your deliverance and to bring our thoughts and steps we take on high captive to Christ alone! Yes Lord we have 2 mighty Counselours in Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit, Lord always interceding in the mercy throne for each one of us. We sure mightly are cover up, and safe and protected in Your mighty hands, none can take us away from You, but ourselves inside our mind battle ground we get discourage focusing in whatever we loose our steps and focus... Lord help, to renew our mind and walk in You as Your child, that we are in the peace the surpass all understnding and insight only You give, day in day out..yes Lord. In Jesus mighty name above all names I pray. amem!



tinydancer2 -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/8/2008 9:21:04 AM)

Back to sing over this thread as I praying.

[sm=hug.gif][sm=icon_smile_sing.gif][sm=icon_smile_sing.gif][sm=icon_smile_sing.gif]



Yes, is for You alone, Lord my Love I believe, yes I believe because of You, I believe and will keep worshiping You forever dear Majesty Holy One.

Wonderful, merciful Savior
Precious Redeemer and Friend
Who would have thought that a Lamb
Could rescue the souls of men
Oh you rescue the souls of men

Counselor, Comforter, Keeper
Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost the way
Oh, we've hopelessly lost the way

You are the One that we praise
You are the One we adore
You give the healing and grace
Our hearts always hunger for
Oh, our hearts always hunger for

Almighty, infinite Father
Faithfully loving Your own
Here in our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne
Oh, we're falling before Your throne

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ENWL5Dpvx80&feature=related


[sm=heart.gif]



trainfan -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/8/2008 1:19:36 PM)

I am posting this a little blindly but here is a devotional on this passage.



RubySparkles -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/9/2008 5:53:30 PM)

I know how 9drtr feels. I'm not there right now, but it comes back periodically. I can't find it now but, someone referred to Paul's emphasis on all the things you can do as a single person. I try to thank God for singleness cos it's obviously his best for me right now, but sometimes I think I'm sick of pleasing myself doing just what I want seems very selfish, empty and pointless. [&o]

Obviously if I ever get married I'll be desperate for a bit of me time!



Acts29 -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/9/2008 11:23:32 PM)

After my husband and son died I looked at the verse from Psalm 37 as past tense. My desires were in the past. Then God put on my path a special person who pointed out to me that God had desires for my future. The thought is still special to me. God's desires for me rather than my desires for myself. I know His desires will be so much greater than the desires I was thinking about.

During this time period I was wrestling with God about something He was desiring for me to do. I know I am supposed to go forward with this project but it will be a painful process. I guess you can call it my Nineva. I am running away from it but on the other hand I want to do it. I know it will be through this project I will see some of the desires God has for me.

My question for everyone is: Could you possibly be running away from something God wants you to do.....



Prairiehiker -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/12/2008 12:14:40 AM)

Ask, seek, knock, and something good is bound to come my way. Perhaps not what I expect it to be, but if it's from God, I know it's for me to be fruitful. Often times, I think God will do what it takes to make me into that person that is loving, and gentle, and joyful, and peaceful.... and if it meant not sending me what I'm asking for so that I will become that person, then I am probably getting a better deal.

But don't think I'll stop asking and seeking and knocking. Jesus even uses the lady that kept pestering the judge as an example of how we should be diligent in asking God.



WaitingforBoaz -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/12/2008 12:22:04 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Acts29

After my husband and son died I looked at the verse from Psalm 37 as past tense. My desires were in the past. Then God put on my path a special person who pointed out to me that God had desires for my future. The thought is still special to me. God's desires for me rather than my desires for myself. I know His desires will be so much greater than the desires I was thinking about.

During this time period I was wrestling with God about something He was desiring for me to do. I know I am supposed to go forward with this project but it will be a painful process. I guess you can call it my Nineva. I am running away from it but on the other hand I want to do it. I know it will be through this project I will see some of the desires God has for me.

My question for everyone is: Could you possibly be running away from something God wants you to do.....

I did not know that your son died also!

(((((Acts 29)))))



9drtr -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/14/2008 7:47:38 PM)

Thank you all for letting me vent, and for your encouragement.



iwillfearnoevil -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/15/2008 9:29:53 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: 9drtr
Thank you all for letting me vent, and for your encouragement.


the psalms are full of venting and it's important to cry out to God, not just here but in prayer too (which i think i can safely assume from your earlier posts you do). lately i wonder if life is much more about how we react to our situations rather than what are situations are ...



John_O -> RE: Matt 7: 7-11 (4/15/2008 11:52:39 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: iwillfearnoevil

quote:

ORIGINAL: 9drtr
Thank you all for letting me vent, and for your encouragement.


the psalms are full of venting and it's important to cry out to God, not just here but in prayer too (which i think i can safely assume from your earlier posts you do). lately i wonder if life is much more about how we react to our situations rather than what are situations are ...


It is.



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