knocking for a need

Years ago I heard a message that had a profound impact on my life.  The man who spoke was one of my mentors, a great man named Herb Hodges.  The message was built off of these verses:

Luke 11:5-10  NLT

Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 6 ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ 7 And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ 8 But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. 9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

The story is one that teaches us about being people of prayer.  Connect with God.  Pray often and for reason.

It spoke of a man who had a late night visitor.  He didn’t have enough food to feed this visitor.  That is when he went to beg the neighbor for some bread.

Maybe you have been woken at night.  You were upset and responded in a way and tone that wasn’t positive or kind.  Your late night visitor had a need and a plan. 

God says keep on asking.  But ask with a plan.  That plan goes well when we are doing what we do to serve others.  The visitor wasn’t asking for food for himself.  His request was for someone else.

Jesus taught us the same.  Focus on God and serve others.  That’s a great plan.