“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.” (1 John 5:14-15)
We can formulate this principle in outline format:
IF You say it and
You believe it and
You trust that God will do it and
It’s God’s will and
You pray it in the name of Jesus
Then:
It will happen in God’s way in God’s time.
The passage tells us that If it’s His will as promised in His word, you can pray it, and if you believe that He can do it and trust He will do it, you can expect it to happen, and it will happen – in His way and in His time, according to His purpose, plan, and will. Matthew 21 expresses the same idea:
“Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matt 21:21)
“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matt 18:18-20)
Luke gives us further encouragement:
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. … If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:9-13)
Rev. Dr. N. Patrick Marica contributes incisive Christian commentary on this blog on a regular basis. He is the Vice-Chancellor of Amherst Theological Seminary, and he has a D. Min. from Amherst Theological Seminary. He has his MA from Liberty University in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is the author of the book: "The Walk Applied". He has also written "The Fasting and Prayer Handbook". He has been married to Kathy since 1985. They have 2 adult daughters and an adult son.
Contact Nick at amhersttheological@gmail.com
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