How comfortable are you in asking to borrow something from another? That was a question being discussed by the KLOVE radio DJs on Saturday morning as I drove around doing my errands.

I was fascinated to hear the various accounts, from both other listeners who called in as well as the DJs themselves. They recounted times or situations where they struggled, even arguing with their spouse about asking a neighbor if they could borrow their lawnmower. They had so many responses about how difficult it is to ask to borrow something, that they asked if anyone didn’t have difficulty, to call in. As a Christian radio station who can only stay on the air thanks to the generosity of the listeners, I’m sure most of the folks are happy to help others out in whatever way they can. It’s rather ironic that when they are in need, asking for help is harder than giving it when they have plenty.

I’m sure throughout my life I have borrowed something from someone a time or two: a pen, a book, a tool, etc., but I can’t really recall any specific circumstances.  For me, I think it would probably depend on what I was borrowing and from whom. Borrowing something from a family member is a lot easier than from a neighbor with whom you generally exchange pleasantries. However, when we ask to borrow something, there is a chance that the person could refuse us. It’s a risk we take, in asking, but it’s also a risk to those we ask. The more significant the item we’re borrowing the more risk the lender assumes when they lend the item to us. A pen is not nearly as great an issue to replace as something like a lawn mower. 

In order to borrow, we must first ask permission. I think it’s the asking that makes so many uncomfortable. To ask another to borrow something, one must ask in a humble manner. We are admitting to a need we have. We are admitting that, however small the need, we are not totally self-sufficient. Even a minor item to borrow shows a level of vulnerability that we have. No wonder people have such a hard time asking to borrow from another; who wants to admit we are lacking?!

When we ask to borrow something from another and they agree, they give us what it is we are asking. While it may be easier to ask God for something in prayer petitions, God’s response is not quite the same as our family, friends, and neighbors are to borrowing something. Instead, God gives us what we need, when we need it. Too often we pray for a specific outcome, almost like placing an order for a drive-thru pickup. Like someone seeking to borrow something of value, our requests to God may be denied and we have to be prepared for that. When we humbly ask God for some blessing, we need to be open to the unique and generous response God gives to us. It may not be what we asked for, but it will be for our eternal good. God doesn’t say, “No, go away.” Rather, His response is, “No, but I love you,” as He pours out abundant blessings in other ways upon us. 

Perhaps we are given opportunities that require us to borrow so that we can practice being humble and vulnerable. Maybe instead of focusing on how uncomfortable it is for us to ask another, we should focus on how God’s love for us is shown by the generosity of the lender.