Ask, Seek and Knock

Jesus said, “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.
“Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.
“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:1-12 

There are times in my life when it has been hard to see ahead and feel confident.  There seem to be so many barriers and so much politics that can get in the way of serving God. Powerful people can set up big walls to climb, shut doors on difference and limit those who they don't like or understand. It is hard to be judged and found wanting and it is easy to accept human barriers and  judgments. Giving up often seems the only response to constant rejection, but the impulse and love of God is still stronger than the world.

Jesus is teaching folks the basics of following him. We are invited to see that God's love is even greater than any perfect parent, always working for us when we ourselves have given up. We are simply to ask when overwhelmed, search when we feel lost, knock when we have been locked out. God is truly with us, we are never alone even if the fight seems to great, and if we are willing to seek, we will know that God has already found us. When the times overwhelm, we can give in to throwing ourselves on the mercy of the one who is already with us and renewing our strength daily.

Today I ask God to take away all of my doubts and fears. May we all live as children of this loving God, who will fight our battles with us and through love will lead us through to the other side where there is light and a clear path ahead.