Brenda prayed God would let her win the lottery so she could quit her job and live the life she felt she deserved after her ex-husband left her with serious debt. She spent money on tickets instead of spending it to reduce her debt, but when she did not win, she became angry at God for not keeping His promise of “ask and you will receive.”

When Jesus talks about “believing” in today’s verse, He’s referring to the belief that recognizes Him as our savior and redeemer and the ruler of our life. That belief will lead us to ask for things that honor God and bring us closer to Him. And these things He will not withhold from us.

For example, when Michael asked for a job that would not require him to work so he could worship on Sabbath with his family, God answered that prayer. The job came with a reduction in pay, but Michael didn’t hesitate to take it anyway.

“God answered my prayer, He’ll provide for our needs,” he said.

Three months later, Michael received a pay raise that was more than he’d made at his previous job.

God will give us what we ask for when we believe His gifts are the only gifts worth having.