I stumbled on a clip recently where a young Nigerian woman approached her state governor, seeking help. Prepared with business documents and product samples, she requested financial support to start her business. The governor, impressed by her preparation, ordered his commissioner to grant her request on the spot. She learnt to ask big.
Friend, how big is your request (Mark 11:23-24)? When it comes to prayer, your request must not be made according to the size of your pocket but according to the size of God’s power (Ephesians 3:20). Most times, we pity God when making requests. We reason that God must have too much on His plate to deal with, so we just push a little request to Him. We limit God by asking too little (Psalms 78:41).
What if that lady in our opening story was not prepared for her big break (Proverbs 16:1)? What if she asked for what to eat? What if she was not convincing enough to have earned the governors attention and answer? She would have met with someone who could change her life, but nothing changes in her life. This is what happens to a lot of people.
Why would you meet with the God who can change your life forever unprepared? Why ask for alms when you could receive your sight like blind bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52)? Why ask for bread when you could own a bakery? Why ask for a local government when God wants to give you nations and generations (Psalms 2:7-8)? It is true that prayer can change your life, but that change depends on you.
God does not determine the limit of your blessing. It is your faith that does, and it is your vision that determines your faith (Habakkuk 2:1-4). If you have a small vision, you would have small faith and experience small miracles. God does not need to be bigger to meet your big needs. In fact, the size of God revealed to you is determined by the size of your requests (Philippians 4:19).
What do you want from God (Mark 10:51)? This may seem a simple question until you attempt to answer it. Not many people can articulate their needs. Not many people have a vision. Before you go to pray, get a vision. Don’t enter the place of prayer with a vague idea of what you want (Matthew 7:7-11). God is committed to both your asking and your thinking. Learn to ask big. God is more than able. Amen.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria