ASKING

Asking

In the story of gentile woman asking Jesus multiple times for a blessing - she was shut down by Christ.  But then she asked AGAIN (“Even the CRUMBS would be enough”). After the last petition Christ changed his kind and blessed her. It was a good change - good things came of it.

This story, and the woman’s persistence is praised as lauded as a virtue we should all seek as we petition the lord for answers in our own life.

But then there’s another story - Martin Harris.  He asked the lord three times as well.  And, like the woman, the Lord changed his answer after MH’s last petition. Almost a “sure - go for it.”

However, this story ends in disaster and is used as a lesson to “accept the lord’s will” without questioning the answers you get.

So, my questions is: What’s the difference?  Why is it okay sometimes to question while others, we need to just fall in line and accept it?  And how are we supposed to know when is that time?  'Cause I mean, the whole point in ASKING in the first place is because we don’t know what to do, right?

Maybe the Bible story of Jesus “denying” someone blessings is just an apostate translation of the Bible?  

OR, should we be ASKING if it’s okay to ask a certain question before we even begin asking?!?  Would that in a sense, filter out unrighteous desires?  Can we get a pre-answer to prayer?  A kind of “go ahead” or green light to begin the petition?

Share your thoughts - because I have been stuck on this one the last 2 days.