Is is said that Alexander the Great had a favorite general to whom he had given permission to draw upon the royal treasury for any amount. On one occasion this general had made a draft for such an enormous sum that the treasurer refused to honor it until he consulted the emperor. So he went into his presence and told him what the general had done.
“Did you not honor the draft?” said the emperor.
“No; I refused until I had seen your majesty, because the amount was so great.”
The emperor was indignant. His treasurer said that he was afraid of offending him if he had paid the amount.
“Do you not know,” replied the emperor, “that he honors me and my kingdom by making a large draft?”
Whether the story be authentic or not, it is true that we honor God when we ask for great things.