Jesus used the image of a parent caring for a child to help us understand his admonition: “Ask and it will be given to you.” Once when I was visiting my sister her daughter, age 6 or so, asked for a cookie. My sister very calmly proceeded to cut up an apple and give her a slice. My niece, while not happy, took the apple and went away, apparently satisfied. Parents know that sometimes what a child asks for is not what is best for them. Asking, seeking knocking is vital for a Christian as a reminder that everything comes as a gift from God. However, sometimes we are given something different from what we ask for because our loving God knows what we truly need.
