This post contains affiliate links
Just Ask is the latest book by pastor and author, J.D. Greear. In Just Ask, Greear encourages readers to grow in dependence on God in prayer and encourages them to pray about everything. While reading Just Ask, I found my heart so encouraged. I observed that as a result, I was consistently going before the Lord and presenting my requests to Him with confidence and not fearing the outcome. I appreciate that throughout the book, Greear maintains a biblical stance on prayer. He encourages readers to pray about everything confidently while also reminding them that God doesn’t always answer our prayers according to our preferences. Chapter two of the book is dedicated to exploring five reasons why God may not answer our prayers. Although considering why prayers may go unanswered is probably not what many prefer to discuss when it comes to the topic of prayer, the chapter left me feeling very hopeful.
The sentiments Greear expressed on page 51 really resonated with me: “My guess is that, if you think about it, you can already look back over your life and see places where you passionately prayed for something and couldn’t, at the time, understand why God wouldn’t give it to you. But now you realize that if God had given you what you asked for, it would have been disastrous for you. That raises the question: if already, with only limited time and perspective, you can see a good reason for some of God’s unanswered prayers, don’t you think, given enough time and perspective, you’ll one day see a reason for all of them? So even as we keep asking God persistently for those things we ache for and that appear to us to be in line with his will, we do so with an understanding that if he chooses to say no, one day we will see why he answered that way—and agree with him.”
Looking back over my life, I can see how God worked just the way Greear described, and in hindsight, I’m actually very thankful! Another portion of the book that I enjoyed included a list of what different people have prayed for throughout Scripture (pg.111-12). It was a helpful reminder that I too can go to God in prayer for anything. As a result of reading the list, I found myself looking for additional ways people have prayed throughout Scripture and plan to continue doing so as I read and study. I really enjoyed Just Ask and highly recommend it for those who are longing to grow in their prayer life or are looking to be reminded of God’s faithfulness to His people.
I received Just Ask compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.
