It has been said we should be careful of what we ask for, hope for, wish for, and pray for-- as this infers we may not like what we receive. Why would someone not like the manifestation of his or her own request? Maybe the reason someone would not like the manifestation of his or her own request is, when it arrives--whatever IT is-- it catches them/us by surprise. If so, then perhaps we are surprised because at some level we are unaware of the essence of self, unaware of the true nature and power of the human-while-being.

Maybe we should be careful of what we ask for because when the request manifests, it may reveal immaturity or weakness, somehow revealing an unwillingness or unpreparedness to maintain rather than simply obtain. Or, maybe it is due to the faulty perception that the meaning of creativity and the creative process is somehow limited to “Arts & Crafts.”

Regardless of why some believe we should be careful in our asking, I encourage you to ask. Whether it is of man or of God, ask! In your being ask, wish, hope, and pray for any and everything you think or feel you may need or want. Ask because the process of ask-and-answer is filled with truth and life lessons to be learned and lived. One of those truths is this: It is not the thing we ask for that we want, but the lesson therein that we need. Asking is based on understanding and humility, and only leads to understanding and humility, so go ahead and ask.

Somewhere along the line, using the saying “be careful what you ask for,” has caused many of us to negate courage in the name of caution, and excuse faith through use of fear. Should we ask only ask for things we are sure to obtain? Howard Shultz asked, “Who wants a vision that is near fetched?” Asking has somehow become the trademark of the less capable; it is taboo to ask for anything because we are supposed to be self-sufficient producers of all things in our own lives. John Doone said, “No man is an Island…,” in as much we are granted the need and permission to ask, and to do so in absence of fear. We are our brothers’ keepers whether through an inquiry of concern, a plea for help, for a drink of water, a slice of bread, or a million dollars, you have not because you ask not; whether of man or of God, ask.

The bible says, "Get knowledge, get wisdom, and in all your getting, get understanding." Asking is the pathway to knowledge, the prerequisite of wisdom, and the foundation of understanding. So, go ahead and ask, because the truths is "It is not the thing we ask for that we want, but the lesson therein that we need." Go ahead, it’s OK to ask.

Pray and meditate daily… it makes a difference.

Author's Bio: 

Dirrick Williams is an ordained minister, licensed reverend, published author, (Xulon Press, ISBN 978-1-60957-812-1), dynamic Public speaker, and Columnist with a Bachelors of Arts in Christian Ministry Development. He has attended the International Association of Industrialized Chaplains, Christian Life bible Institute, Completed Leadership Empowerment and Development training, and has a Certificate of Teaching & Communications. Prior to his career as a trainer, coach and speaker, Mr. Williams served as Vice President of Sales & Operations for Compuco Technologies, Inc., and Vice President of Operations for it’s parent company, United General Acceptance Corporation.