“And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us” – 1st John 5:14 (KJV)
Have you ever made a reasonable, legitimate request for something, but your request(s) were ignored? How daunting that can be, to the point where you decide to never ask for anything again! Many people have had such unpleasant experiences.
With God, it is different. Requests to God are never ignored, particularly those that align with His will. The origin of our confidence is this: “If we ask anything according to God’s will, He hears us!” Brothers and sisters, there is a feeling of value and importance just knowing that we are heard; that the Creator of the Universe, the Lord God Almighty, would incline His ear to listen to what you and I, mere mortals, have to say. Thank you, God.
Further, our confidence is solidified by knowing we are making requests according to God’s will. But some may ask, “What is God’s will? How do I know God’s will?” God’s will is simply what God wants for us. As we read the Bible (God’s Word), we understand what God wants for us while we live on earth and through eternity.
For instance, 3rd John 1:2 (KJV) tells us: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” In this verse, we see that God wants our total well-being and prosperity. Therefore, we know that God will hear us when we pray for our total well-being and prosperity, simply because it is His will for us.
Thus, let us delve into God’s Word to know His will and pray accordingly. He will hear us, and we will receive. I leave you with a little encouragement from a popular Sunday School song: “Read your Bible, pray every day, and you will grow, grow, grow.”
Prayer
Dear Lord, teach me Your will for my life, family, community, nation, and the world. Please let all my prayers align with Your will, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Matthew 6:10; 1 John 5:15
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 105:37-45; 2 Corinthians 8:16-24; 2 Corinthians 9:1-5; Isaiah 10:20-34; Isaiah 11; Isaiah 12; Isaiah 13