Asking Big

“God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.”
A. W. Tozer

“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.” Elisabeth Elliot
“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supplies.”
Hudson Taylor

“God does not give us overcoming life; He gives us life as we overcome.”
Oswald Chambers

“Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness.”
Martin Luther

Have you ever caught yourself hesitating to pray for something tangible? Like, say, a new building for our church? We often dream of more room, better facilities, place for our youth to meet, and maybe even a welcoming foyer with space to visit and drink coffee together. Then that little voice pipes up: “But God cares about people, not buildings.” And just like that, we shut down those dreams, feeling guilty for even considering asking God for something so physical. But here is the thing: What if I told you it is okay to bring these needs to God? In fact, what if I suggested it might even be biblical to ask for big things, including physical spaces? I know, I know, it all sounds a bit radical, does it not? Especially in a Christian culture where we are so focused (and rightly so) on the spiritual aspects of our faith that we have unwittingly created this unspoken rule that somehow, asking for material things is less spiritual, less noble.

The Culture of Downplaying Material Needs
While the sentiment “God cares about people, not things,” is fundamentally true, it can sometimes lead us to dismiss or downplay our material needs. We create a culture where asking for practical things almost feels wrong. But here is the thing: God invites us to bring ALL our needs to Him. Yes, even the need for a new church building. When we examine Scripture, we find numerous instances where physical spaces played crucial roles in God’s interaction with His people. For example:

• The Tabernacle: A movable tent where God’s presence dwelt among the Israelites as they traveled through the wilderness. It was the center of worship and a place for offering sacrifices (Exodus 25-31, 35-40).
• The Temple in Jerusalem: Built by Solomon, it became the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites, and a symbol of God’s presence among His people (1 Kings 6-8).

But one particularly significant example is the Upper Room in Acts. This space was not just a casual meeting place, but a location where pivotal moments in Christian history unfolded. Jesus chose this room for His last supper with His twelve disciples. He gave specific instructions to Peter and John for finding this prepared place, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us” (Mark 14:13-15, ESV; cf Luke 22:8-13). This unusual sign— a man carrying a water jar, a task typically performed by women—led the disciples to the exact location God had prepared. Later, after Jesus’ ascension, this same Upper Room became the gathering place for the disciples as they waited for the promised Holy Spirit. Acts 1:15 tells us that the Upper Room was large enough to house around 120 believers. Most significantly, it was in this room that the Holy Spirit descended on the day of Pentecost, empowering the early church and launching the global spread of the Gospel. The Upper Room serves as a powerful reminder that God often uses specific physical locations as settings for His mighty works and that He provides precise guidance to lead us to these places of blessing.

The Prosperity Gospel: A Dangerous Distortion
While it is important to recognize God’s willingness to provide for our needs, we must also be wary of the dangerous distortions promoted by the prosperity gospel. This teaching, which often promises material wealth and physical health to those with enough faith, has done a significant disservice to the church and individual believers. The prosperity gospel’s emphasis on material blessings as a sign of God’s favor can lead to several problems because it shifts our attention from seeking God’s Kingdom to seeking personal gain, directly contradicting Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:33. It creates unrealistic expectations that God will always grant our material desires if we have enough faith, leading to disappointment and disillusionment when prayers are not answered as expected. When people do not receive the promised prosperity, they may feel guilty, believing their faith is inadequate or that they are somehow displeasing God. Moreover, it often fails to address the reality of suffering in the Christian life, which the Bible teaches is sometimes part of God’s plan for our growth and His glory (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4). Finally, the prosperity gospel portrays God as a cosmic vending machine, rather than a loving Father who knows what is best for His children. The disservice of the prosperity gospel’s distortions has made many believers wary of asking God for anything material, swinging the pendulum too far in the opposite direction. We have become so cautious about appearing greedy or lacking in faith that we hesitate to bring our practical needs before God. However, rejecting the prosperity gospel does not mean we should stop asking God to provide for our needs – even big needs like a church building. The key is to approach God with the right heart and motivation, which involves seeking first God’s will and not personal gain, trusting in His wisdom, knowing He may say “no” or “wait” for our benefit. It also means recognizing that God’s blessings often come in forms we do not expect and understanding that faith is about trusting God in all circumstances, not receiving material rewards.

Balancing Faith and Focus
As we navigate between the extremes of prosperity teaching and reluctance to ask, let us remember the balanced approach modeled in Scripture. In our efforts to avoid the excesses of the prosperity gospel, we become hesitant to ask God for anything beyond the spiritual, fearing that we are being too materialistic. But remember, we serve “the God of the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10), everything belongs to Him, and He delights in providing for His children. Matthew 7:11 “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Not asking for what we need might demonstrate a lack of faith in God’s provision and care. Instead, we are invited to bring all our needs to God, trusting in His provision while submitting to His will. As Paul writes: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, ESV). This promise is not about guaranteed wealth, but about God’s faithful provision for His people according to His wisdom and love. While we should not hesitate to ask God for practical needs, we must also ensure that our focus remains on Him and His Kingdom. Jesus taught: “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, ESV). This verse does not negate asking for practical things—it puts them in the correct perspective. When we seek God’s Kingdom first, He promises to provide for our needs. Jesus reassures us in Matthew 6:24-34 that God is aware of our material concerns and cares deeply about them. By prioritizing our spiritual growth and trust in Him, we can be confident that God will meet our needs, just as He provides for the birds and clothes the lilies. Therefore, when considering a big ask like a new building, it is important to align our requests with God’s vision for our church and community. Ask: What is God’s vision for our church? What impact has He called us to make? Does a new building fit into that vision? If the answer is yes, then we should boldly approach God’s throne.

Seeking God’s Guidance for Our Needs
When faced with a significant need like a new space to meet as a church, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. We might wonder how we will ever find the right place or how we will know when we have found it. In times like these, it is helpful to remember the story of Jesus sending His disciples to prepare the Upper Room. In our search for provision, we too should be on the lookout for our metaphorical “man carrying a jar of water,” an unexpected opportunity that aligns perfectly with our needs, or a series of “coincidences” that point us in a specific direction. Perhaps a person comes into our path with the exact resources or connections we need, or we receive a sudden clarity or peace about a particular option. These signs are not about seeking miraculous visions, but rather about being attentive to God’s guidance through circumstances, wise counsel, and the peace He gives as we seek His will. As we navigate our search for a new building or any other significant need, let us approach it with both practical diligence and spiritual sensitivity. We should do our due diligence—researching options, consulting experts, and making wise financial decisions. But simultaneously, we should remain open to God’s unexpected leading, our own “man with a water jar” that might guide us to the provision He has prepared. Remember, God is intimately involved in the details of our lives and ministries. He cares about our practical needs and is more than capable of guiding us to the right solutions. Our job is to seek His Kingdom first, do our part with wisdom and integrity, and remain open to His direction— even when it comes in unexpected forms. As you face your challenges and needs, keep your eyes open for your “man with a water jar.” God’s provision might be just around the corner, and His guidance could come through the most unexpected means.

Dear reader, I want to challenge you today. What big thing have you been hesitant to ask God for? Maybe it is a new building for our church, an apostolic trip, a new job, or a restored relationship. Whatever it is, I encourage you to bring it before God with confidence and persistence. Remember, asking for practical needs does not diminish your spiritual focus—it can be an act of faith, demonstrating your trust in God’s provision. So go ahead, ask big. Seek God’s Kingdom first, align your requests with His vision, and then boldly approach His throne of grace. You might be amazed at how He answers.