By Mark Buchanan
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Last week, I began my Pastor’s Summary whining about my computer – it emitted an incessant squawking that was playing havoc with my mind. I had disabled things and downloaded things and even removed the computer’s speaker, all to no avail. I was considering more radical interventions.
 Then Shirley Hill got in touch with me. She said she had the same problem with her computer. Her problem was caused by a faulty fan which in turn caused overheating. “I’m sure you’ve thought of this already,� she said.
       Well, um, actually, no.
So I pulled the terminal back from the side of the desk – it vented straight into it – and I took off the cover and cleaned the computer’s insides thoroughly.
        It’s been blissfully silent ever since.
        Thanks, Shirley!
I learned a valuable lesson in this, and not just about computers. It was a spiritual lesson: I have not because I ask not. Months back I might have rid myself of the problem if, instead of complaining, I’d simply asked for help.
I wonder how often I’ve missed solving a problem because I’m too stubborn or prideful or lazy to ask, or simply because the habit of complaining has displaced the discipline of seeking. I wonder which of my problems have simple solutions, only I’m oblivious to them. To find them, I have to humble myself and ask.
       And I wonder if you’re like me.Â
Recently, the Elders at New Life have been talking about establishing “Elders at the Gate� – those in our midst full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit who, though they might not hold an official leadership position, could be excellent sources of insight and guidance for those who do. These would be people whom we could turn to when we’re wrestling with an issue and need more than our own opinion. We haven’t come up with a clear proposal yet, but more and more we’re longing for something like this. Maybe all kinds of irritating little things, and a few devastating big ones, might be solved, just for the asking.
 Now a personal challenge: do you have people in your life to whom you go for counsel? Is there a struggle in your finances, your marriage, your child-rearing, your business, that’s stumped you and plagued you? Perhaps you have a well-worn habit of griping about it. But maybe the solution is merely a question or two away, directed at the right person. Maybe it’s a simple as, “Clean the inside.�
       Why not humble yourself, and ask?
You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2008/07/21/mb_you-have-not/
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Mark Buchanan is a pastor and freelance writer who lives on the West Coast of Canada. Educated at the University of British Columbia and Regent College. Has written, The Rest of God; Your God is too Safe, and Things Unseen. Learn more about Mark:Â www.newlifechurch.bc.ca/about-us/mark/