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Self-sufficiency 

A Devotional by Margot Cioccio

Matthew 7:7-8”
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you. 
For everyone who asks receives;
he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, 
the door will be opened.

How often do I forget to ask, or I am to busy to seek, or I am perhaps to proud to knock.
It is easy to think I can just handle things on my own. I may even be doing a decent job of managing the circumstances of life at this time. How often do I miss the ways God desires to help me. My self sufficiency can stand in the way of God’s help and blessing in my life.

Sometimes we get the idea that God is to busy and we don’t want to bother him with the little stuff. As if we have some limit or quota on prayer that must be saved for the really important things. Our God desires a relationship and that relationship includes the little and the big stuff.
There are days when I say – Lord I am not doing well today. I really need your help –I’m in way over my head. Maybe that’s you today. Just talk to your heavenly Father. He stands waiting to help you through. My self sufficiency is not the only issue, sometimes God wants me to seek him. Often He speaks to me in dreams that are like a puzzle of symbols that I have to work out. What are the treasures in his Word that I miss by being too busy. Sometimes it is pride or perhaps shame that keeps us from knocking at His door.

He calls us but he does not chase us. We do need to ask, seek and knock.  Here is the really good part “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds and to him who knocks the door will be opened.”  When we search to find him in His word or spend time in prayer it is not a waste of time. He is good to fulfill his promises.

Things to Ponder:
Do you need a clearer invitation? What are you waiting for? ____________
Am I being self sufficient when I should lean on the Lord? ____________
Does pride or shame keep me from knocking at the Lords door? _________________________
What things could you use Gods help with today? ____________________________________
Prayer:
Dear Lord, You say to ask and you will give to me. Hear the prayer of my heart and meet this need or desire in my life. If it is somehow not your will change my heart and help me to let go of this thing I am asking for.  I am seeking you Lord and I know you promise I will find you.
Help me to not let shame, guilt or pride keep me from knocking at your door.
Open to me the door into your presence I long to sit at your feet and to be near you today.
Have I told you how much I love you - Thank you for loving me.