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confident

Yesterday I shared that we can bask in the reality of, and be confident, our God hears us when we pray. Let’s look at the portion of Scripture again:

“I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” (1 John 5:11-15, NLT)

At first glance, it would seem that we can ask God for whatever we want according to our will and He will do as we please. But we do not serve a God who pleases man or indulges man his every request. He is not a vending machine by which we put our prayer in and out comes our desire.

So what are we to glean from these verses?

Hidden back in 1 John 3, are some insights into receiving from God. And they all pertain to us, those who are asking:

  1. Belief. We are to be a people who live believing in the name of Jesus (verse 23).
  2. Love. Our lives are to be such that love is on display – love of God and of each other (verse 23).
  3. Obedience. Our lives are to be marked by obedience to God (verse 24) and living in such a way that pleases Him.
  4. Abiding in Him. We are to be abiding in Him, His Words in us and us with Him (verse 24). A constant reciprocal relationship.

Kelly Minter, in her study “What Love Is” further explains prayer:

Asking in Jesus’ name doesn’t mean a carte blanche request for whatever we want. But I believe it means far more than what most of us claim it to mean.

Ask in His name. Ask according to His will. Delight Him with your obedience. Have confidence that He hears you. And see what He will do.

May we not be afraid to come with boldness and a confidence that He will hear us. May we be a people, deeply marked by a love and belief in our Lord, daring to ask Him for more.

Let’s be confident as we ask.
And see what He will do!

 

Today I am joining … Three Word Wednesday and Coffee For Your Heart and Tell His Story .