Two Ways of Asking

Ten years ago, I was managing a radio station in Pennsylvania and taking classes at a nearby seminary a few evenings per week. Like anyone who has tried to take the part-time route through a three-year graduate program, I soon realized that I would be an old man before I got the degree. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be great to study full-time?” But how could I? Any fires that began to kindle were snuffed out quickly by a rough tally of the cost.

I remember asking myself intense questions of faith—one in particular: “God, what is of faith and what is of irresponsibility?” That led to other questions: Should I just “go for it” and ask Him to provide? Would that be faith or presumption? Should I be like Abraham, who left his homeland, setting out for an unknown destination (Gen. 12:1; Heb. 11:8)? Or should I heed the admonition of the apostle Paul, who warns that one who fails to provide for his family denies the faith and is worse than an infidel (1 Tim. 5:8)?

When is it right and good for us to ask God for things, and when is it evil? Joshua 17 provides us with an example of each. In the first half the chapter, we find an example of “good asking.” During the distribution of a portion of the land to the tribe of Manasseh, the five daughters of Zelophehad, a descendant of Manasseh, called a meeting with Joshua and the other leaders of Israel. We are told that Zelophehad had no male children. In the Old Testament, a father’s inheritance typically passed to his sons. I say “typically” because the law allowed for daughters to receive the inheritance if there were no male descendants (Num. 27:1–11). So Zelophehad’s daughters sought to secure their rightful inheritance.

This was the right kind of asking, for several reasons. First, it was based on the Word of God. The idea of claiming a portion of the land did not originate from their own desires, but from God’s revealed Word. Second, it revealed a heart of courage and faith. The fact that they had to take their case to the authorities seems to imply that their right to the land could have been overlooked. They wanted to do their part in settling the land, and this is always portrayed in the book of Joshua as an activity of faith. Third, their asking sought out the confirmation of the community. They did not simply claim a piece of the rock, then connive to make it their own; rather, they presented their case to the authorities, who confirmed their claim.

Now contrast the “good asking” of these daughters with the “bad asking” of the sons of Joseph later on in that same chapter (Josh. 17:14–18). The sons of Joseph questioned Joshua for giving them only one lot; they believed their numbers warranted more. Notice first of all that their concern was voiced as a complaint. This should be the first indication that they were not motivated by faith. Second, we should not be surprised that their complaint was clothed in “spiritual talk.” They argued for more land on the basis that the Lord had blessed them so much (v. 14). Third, their desire for more land did not arise from the Word of God, but from their own perceived needs and desires. Fourth, their desire for more was, in reality, a desire for personal comfort and ease. Joshua told them frankly that more room could be secured by clearing some of the trees from the forest country. That, of course, would require some work on their part, but Joshua reminded them that many hands make the work light. Fifth, their desire for more revealed their thankless attitude toward God’s provision and their utter inability to see the opportunities right under their noses. Sixth, their desire for more was not motivated by courage to do God’s will, but by fear of personal hardship. Seventh, their need for more land existed precisely because of their direct disobedience of God’s command to take the land and put out its inhabitants.

There are two ways of asking God for things. One is of faith and the other is of unbelief. One is of the Spirit, the other of the flesh. One is anchored in the Word of God, the other in the imaginations and desires of men.

Ten years ago, although I was unsure of where God would lead, it was clear that every option would be enhanced by a seminary education. On the basis of the Word of God, we saved sufficient resources to cover our first year’s expenses (we had no clue where money would come from after that). Then, on the basis of Scripture (the Great Commission and the Bible’s teaching about spiritual gifting and vocation), we set out for seminary. Our faith in God was joined by the faith of almost 75 individuals and families who, over the next few years, would pray for us and share their financial resources with us.

So it was that while studying in Orlando, Fla., I came across a man by the name of R.C. Sproul, who happened to be starting a nationally syndicated radio program called “Renewing Your Mind.” Now, with the master’s of divinity degree several years behind me, I have the privilege of using both my broadcasting experience and seminary training as Ligonier’s director of radio programming.

Finding the way of faith is not always clear from beginning to end. We take one step at a time, planting our feet firmly on the Word of God. We walk in faith, which turns our fears into courage. Our steps are confirmed by the community of faith, and by the fruit which begins to appear along the way.