Published on 12/14/2005

I used to wonder if such audacity with God was actually a good thing. After all, Jesus promised us, "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it" (John 14:13-14). If I just have enough faith, God will do whatever I ask; if he doesn't, my faith was weak.

Commentary

I've never before written a morning essay for just one reader, but there's a first time for everything. In case my wife reads this, I want her to know that I've found my Christmas present. On the other hand, if she has already bought everything she's going to give me (Janet usually finishes her Christmas shopping around March 1), perhaps some of you would like to pitch in instead.

I found it on the front page of this morning's Wall Street Journal Personal Journal section. It's made by Volkswagen, famous the world over for economical cars. It goes from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds. It burns rubber so quickly that its makers had to buy a special compound for its tires. It tops out at 252.9 mph. Local technicians can handle oil changes; for more sophisticated problems, the company will send me a specialist from Europe. Someone needs to act quickly, since the company will stop making my new car if it doesn't get 300 or so orders over the next five years. As they are selling for a mere $1 million each, perhaps you'd like to buy one for yourself while ordering mine.

Now, I recognize the price tag may deter my wife somewhat. To prove how reasonable I am, I'm willing to compromise. The same Journal section offers alternatives which are much less expensive. There's a Porsche Carrera GT for only $399,000--a savings of $49,000 off the sticker price (that's how much our first house cost!). And I'm willing to consider used cars as well. There's a Bentley with 587 miles for $199,900. Or if she's really pinched for cash this Christmas, she can consider the Bentley with 2,200 miles for only $159,900. While I don't think asking for a Volkswagen is unreasonable, I'm open to all options. That's the kind of considerate husband I am.

Not so. To pray in Jesus' "name" is to draw on his account with God rather than mine. If I sign my name to a check for my new car, the bank will laugh out loud. If I can get Bill Gates to sign his name on a check, it's time to pick my new car's color. My faith does not earn God's answers--it positions me to receive whatever God's grace chooses to give.

What Christmas present do you need from God today? Pray in faith, knowing that your Father will give you what you ask or something better, for his glory and your good. To see how much he'll pay, look at the nearest nativity scene. The answer's in the cradle.