The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Jeremiah 33:3, “’Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

James 4:2c-3a, “You do not have because you do not ask…You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives,”

If you need anything, just give me a call. You know where I am. How many times have you had someone say this to you? But when you called, they did not answer or did not return you call. Were they really sincere? Or was it just someone “blowing smoke,” as it were? It sounded big and encouraging at the time, but fizzled out when the need was real.

Jeremiah was imprisoned when the LORD said to him, “Call to Me, and I will answer you.” The LORD already knew his situation and his needs. He was ready and available, but the first move was Jeremiah’s. How much we miss because we fail to call on the LORD! For one thing, we don’t know how much we don’t know. What about those guys who said to call them? They spoke big, but when you called, they didn’t answer. The simple answer is: we called the wrong person. Yet, you say, “But I did call! I called the LORD! I poured out my heart to Him, but He didn’t answer either.” What could be wrong?

It’s interesting how the answer to Old Testament questions are often found in the New Testament. James’ answer to our dilemma is two-fold: first, “You do not have because you do not ask…“ ”But, I have!” you say. “I have asked again and again. Why am I not hearing from God?” James then concludes that you “do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.” Think about it: Why do you ask what you ask? Is it for the LORD’s glory, or is it simply a selfish, self-serving request? Examine your motives carefully. Why do I want what I’m asking the LORD to give?

It’s embarrassing to say, but I once saw a car that I just couldn’t do without! I reckoned that with this nice, big sleek auto –and it was nice!– I could better witness to people about the LORD. Can you imagine anything so dumb? What would the possession of a car –any car—have to do with witnessing to others? Absolutely nothing! My motive was simply an excuse to get what I wanted. How did it all work out? Well, I got the car. It was nice; but I sort of forgot about the witnessing thing. As for the car itself, it would pass anything on the road, except the gasoline stations! It cost me money! I learned an expensive lesson. So, check your motives. Then, call on the LORD. He does know a lot more than you do! And He will “tell you great and mighty things, which you do not (currently) know.” God bless you!

Prayerfully yours always,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”