the fig tree

In Matthew chapter 21 verse 19 we read about Jesus coming to a fig tree. Jesus was hungry and as he walked by this particular fig tree, he went to it to get some figs.
"Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered."
Then Jesus said the words, " may you never bear fruit again."  The fig tree withered at the words of Jesus. When the disciples saw the tree wither, they marveled and said, "how soon is the fig tree withered away." In verse 21 Jesus says; "Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed , and cast into the sea; it shall be done." Verse 22 "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

I know that we need to interpret scripture with scripture. I know the scripture tells us that sometimes we ask amiss that we may selfishly consume things. In this case Jesus had a need, he was hungry. I saw different prayers in my life that God answered. There was a need in my life for what I was asking. One of the prayers I think of just now was not selfish. I remember wanting to take Mom on a trip to North Dakota for a family reunion. I was concerned about my transportation at that time. I prayed about it, Lord you know my need. It that time I was on SR22 insurance and could not buy a new car. I checked one time and it would have cost me $430 a month just for full coverage insurance, and I knew I couldn't afford it. I wanted an older car with low miles that I felt I could trust on this trip. I had prayed about my situation, my 85 Cadillac I was driving at the time, just didn't feel trustworthy. I prayed, and later that day I happened to look at classified ads on the computer, and typed in low miles. What appeared on the list was a 96 Oldsmobile with only 26,000 miles for $4000 which I was able to buy.  I had a need, even though the car was for me, it wasn't totally selfish because I needed it for this trip to take Mom around for her family reunion. I believe this was in 2005, so the car was about 9 years old. I also remember a time when I was young and working with a man that had a fairly new Camaro. It was only a year or two old. As he was working he said I saw this brand new Camaro and it is awesome. I am claiming it, he said.  He claimed to be a Christian and was claiming this brand new Camaro. It wasn't a need, perhaps it was a spirit of greed or coveting. I don't think that is the type of prayer God is what God is talking about. He is not up there in heavenly places to spoil us with things we really don't need. James 4:3 "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."

In Luke 18, there was a widow woman who went before a judge continually until the judge intervened on her behalf. Jesus tells us will not God hear us if we continually come to him and grant our request. Sometimes God has answered quickly, and sometimes it has taken a long time to get answer. Sometimes we may need to check our motives, but know this God cares about his children and answers their prayers. He does what is in our best interests, not necessarily everything we want or desire. God bless, LVZ.