“Why Haven’t You Asked?”

Unlocking the Overflow of the Father’s Heart

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"
— Matthew 7:11 (NKJV)

There are few verses in Scripture more revealing of God’s heart than this one. In just a few words, Jesus turns our understanding of prayer upside down—not by emphasizing our performance, but by spotlighting the overwhelming generosity of the Father.

This verse is not just an invitation to pray—it’s a wake-up call to stop living beneath our inheritance. It confronts us with a simple but life-changing truth:

There are good things God has already prepared for His children that only those who ask will ever receive.

1. A Father Who Loves to Give

Jesus begins with a comparison every listener could understand: earthly parents and their children. Even flawed, sinful humans know how to give good gifts to their kids. We save, sacrifice, and sometimes stretch beyond our limits just to see our children smile.

Now pause and let this sink in:

“How much more…”

Jesus is telling us: If you think human generosity is touching, it’s nothing compared to your heavenly Father’s heart.

This is not a reluctant God who must be convinced—it’s a giving Father who longs to be trusted. The problem isn’t His willingness—it’s often our silence.

2. The Condition is Asking

Notice the last phrase of Matthew 7:11:

“…to those who ask Him.”

This reveals a divine principle: what God is willing to give is accessed by those who ask. Not because He is withholding, but because He values relationship. He designed prayer to be a faith transaction between Father and child.

This echoes in other Scriptures:

  • “Ask, and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7–8)

  • “You do not have because you do not ask.” (James 4:2)

  • “Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24)

Too often, believers live as if God’s promises are for another time, or another person. But heaven responds to the childlike boldness that dares to ask.

3. A Tragic Picture: The Elder Brother

This truth comes alive in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32). While much focus is placed on the younger son who returned, the elder brother represents many believers today—living in the Father’s house, but never partaking of the Father’s abundance.

When he complained about never receiving a goat to celebrate with his friends, the father’s response was striking:

“Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.”
— Luke 15:31

In other words: “You never asked.”

The elder brother had access—but no experience. He had inheritance—but no joy. Why? Because he never engaged the Father’s heart through asking.

4. Asking Reveals Trust

God doesn’t need our prayers to know our needs. Jesus already said in Matthew 6:8:

“Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

So why ask? Because asking is an act of trust. It says:

  • “I believe You’re good.”

  • “I believe You hear me.”

  • “I believe You’re willing.”

  • “I believe You’re my Father.”

When we fail to ask, it’s not just a missed opportunity—it may be a statement of unbelief in God’s goodness.

5. Ask with Boldness, Ask with Joy

Don’t let guilt, religion, or fear keep you silent. God is not watching your performance—He’s waiting for your petition.

  • Ask for wisdom (James 1:5).

  • Ask for peace.

  • Ask for provision.

  • Ask for breakthrough.

  • Ask for souls.

  • Ask for joy.

Ask not as a beggar—but as a beloved child who knows that your Father delights in giving good gifts.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
— John 15:7

Heaven Is Not Closed—We Are Often Silent

In conclusion, God’s giving nature is not in question. The real issue is this:
Why haven’t we asked?

He’s not a stingy deity. He’s a Father who delights in the joy of His children. His Word is clear: “How much more will your Father… give good things to those who ask Him!”

So today, let this question echo in your heart:

What have you left unasked that heaven is waiting to release?

Call to Action
Take time today. Find a quiet place. Reflect on what you’ve been silent about—and ask boldly. Your Father is listening, and He’s ready to give.


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