God answers our prayers with better gifts than what we seek. 

God gives good gifts to his children. He does not play practical jokes on them. He does not give harmful gifts. He gives gifts that edify, empower, and overflow. 

What Jesus says here was likely something of a mystery to his followers until Volume Two of Luke’s story about Jesus, the Bible book we call Acts. On the Day of Pentecost, after the death and resurrection of Jesus, these verses from Luke 11 found their initial fulfillment. 

Whereas the disciples questioned Jesus about the coming Kingdom of God as if it were a political entity, Jesus spoke of it as a reality no geography and no people group could contain. Read Acts 1:1-8 for this part of the story. Flip the page to Acts 2 to see what Jesus meant in Luke 11 and Acts 1. 

Peter, the disciple who denied knowing Jesus three times on the night before the crucifixion, was wrecked then and during the conversation with Jesus by the lake (John 21), now stood strong in the Holy Spirit’s power.

Peter, the impulsive leader who often spoke before he thought, was empowered to declare the truth in such a way that thousands placed their faith in Jesus.

Peter, the would-be warrior who swung a sword and severed an ear, now overflowed with words of truth and life. He overflowed with healing grace (Acts 3). He overflowed with clear vision and a definitive declaration of God’s love for everyone everywhere (Acts 10). 

What God did for Peter, he will do for you. He will rebuild your broken life. He will empower you for significant service. He will overflow your life to spill delight into the lives of those you encounter along the way. 

Looking at the radar right now, it is as clear as clear can be. No precipitation in sight. Yet, rain has poured down in abundance on our home for the last few minutes. God’s grace is like that. The presence of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to see and experience what is otherwise hidden from view.

It is good to know that no matter what we earnestly seek from God, he most often has something better in store. He gives good gifts to his children.

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I will seek the best I know and trust will give better than I ask. 

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Our Father, you give good gifts to your children. What would we ask for if we knew how good you truly are? What would we seek if we were perfectly attuned to your heart? What would we do if our actions were aligned with your intentions? Teach us to pray in ever-greater agreement with your nature, character, and purpose. Amen.