Today’s ONE THING: Don’t be afraid to ask

• John 14:13 (NKJV) And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Recently I read about a man named Howard Cadle.  Cadle started drinking at age twelve and was soon in the grip of every kind of addiction.  He also became caught up in a sprawling Midwest crime syndicate.  His worried mother could do nothing but pray.  “Always remember, son,” she said , “that at eight o’clock every night I’ll be kneeling beside your bed, asking God to protect my precious boy.”

One evening in a rampage, Howard pulled a gun on a man and squeezed the trigger.  The weapon didn’t fire, and someone knocked it away.  It was exactly eight o’clock.  Shortly afterward, Howard made his way home, penniless and ill.  “Mother,” he said, “I’ve broken your heart.  I’d like to be saved, but I’ve sinned too much.”

His mother, using Isaiah 1:18, led him to the Lord.  Howard Cadle went on to become a successful businessman, Christian leader, and one of America’s pioneer radio evangelists, preaching on Cincinnati’s powerful WLM.

“Until He calls me,” Cadle once said, “I shall preach the same gospel that caused my sainted mother to pray for me.”

I believe what Jesus said in today’s devotional verse; I believe both parts.  I believe that when we pray in Jesus’ name He always responses.  I also believe He responses in the way that most glorifies His Father.  Answering in the way that most glorifies God means you have to trust Jesus.  His timing may not be your timing and His method may not be your method.  However, just like Howard Cadle’s mother who would not give up on her son, I encourage you to keep believing, keep hoping, keep asking and above all keep praying in Jesus’ name – the answer will come and when it does God will get the glory and you will get the blessing.