Scripture: This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. (I John 5:14-15)
It is amazing that we have access to a King who hears us.
Those who follow Jesus Christ have immediate access to the King Eternal. That's a promise in the Bible! Furthermore, we know that we have what we asked of Him. God doesn't just hear us, He grants the desires of our heart.
Did you notice the conditional: if we ask anything according to His will? I shouldn't expect God to answer my prayers for things or situations that are contrary to His character, goodness, righteousness, love, or kindness. However, if I ask according to His heart, He promises to answer.
What are the things God desires? Read through a few pages of Scripture, and you will see plainly. Restoration of relationships, justice, peace, forgiveness, contentment, patience, joy. What we often need most are the "things" that money cannot buy. We might pay money to obtain this educational degree or that beautiful three-bedroom house, but we can't buy a package of "Relationship Restoration" or "Contentment" from a store. Yet we can have it through God!
He also cares about the physical, material world in which we live. Health, rest, our next meal, clothes, shelter, education, transportation, jobs - God gives us these gifts as well.
How long will it take? It's hard to wait, especially in the age of instant. Though sometimes God answers immediately, He often doesn't. I don't know why certain prayers haven't been answered, after decades of prayer. Yet His promise is that we will receive what we ask for.
Be not surprised when you pray for something or someone, and God stirs in your heart to take action or change. Praying for restoration or reconciliation? You may feel a prompting to take the first step in approaching that person. When that happens, walk in obedience. Praying for a sick friend? The Lord may show you some practical ways to serve. When that happens, roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Jesus came that we would have abundant life. It is ours for the asking. Start asking according to His will, and expect great things to happen.
It is amazing that we have access to a King who hears us.
Those who follow Jesus Christ have immediate access to the King Eternal. That's a promise in the Bible! Furthermore, we know that we have what we asked of Him. God doesn't just hear us, He grants the desires of our heart.
Did you notice the conditional: if we ask anything according to His will? I shouldn't expect God to answer my prayers for things or situations that are contrary to His character, goodness, righteousness, love, or kindness. However, if I ask according to His heart, He promises to answer.
What are the things God desires? Read through a few pages of Scripture, and you will see plainly. Restoration of relationships, justice, peace, forgiveness, contentment, patience, joy. What we often need most are the "things" that money cannot buy. We might pay money to obtain this educational degree or that beautiful three-bedroom house, but we can't buy a package of "Relationship Restoration" or "Contentment" from a store. Yet we can have it through God!
He also cares about the physical, material world in which we live. Health, rest, our next meal, clothes, shelter, education, transportation, jobs - God gives us these gifts as well.
How long will it take? It's hard to wait, especially in the age of instant. Though sometimes God answers immediately, He often doesn't. I don't know why certain prayers haven't been answered, after decades of prayer. Yet His promise is that we will receive what we ask for.
Be not surprised when you pray for something or someone, and God stirs in your heart to take action or change. Praying for restoration or reconciliation? You may feel a prompting to take the first step in approaching that person. When that happens, walk in obedience. Praying for a sick friend? The Lord may show you some practical ways to serve. When that happens, roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Jesus came that we would have abundant life. It is ours for the asking. Start asking according to His will, and expect great things to happen.