Day Four
“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” 1 John 5:14-15
When I ask my kids for a list of what they want for Christmas, they can usually get back to me within a day or so with a page full of ideas. This list will consist of things like ipods, computer games, movies, wii games, barbies, remote control cars and every once in a while an article of clothing. They hardly ever get everything on their list, actually, they are lucky if they get one thing on that list. Having a very tight budget at Christmas time usually means they will get a few smaller (cheaper) things and one bigger thing from their list. As a parent, I wish I could provide them with everything they want, I would love to lavish them with expensive gifts and see the joy spread across their face and make them do the happy dance. I love making them smile; it brings a feeling of contentment like no other. I believe God is the same way; after all, “every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above.” James 1:17 He loves to shower us with blessing, it brings him joy when we enjoy the riches of his love. The question is, do we trust him enough with coming to him with our hearts desires? If you continue to ask for little things, he can only deliver little things. Makes sense, right? I think that as humans, we tend to have the attitude of “well, if I only ask for the little things, I won’t be disappointed but if I ask for something big and he decides not to honor it, I would be disappointed.” There’s less risk of disappointment when we stick to the little things, right? What does that say of our faith, though? If we believe our God able and willing to do great things in our lives, then our prayers should reflect that faith. Now, granted, there is a big difference between asking for an ocean front mansion just because we want one and asking for a house big enough for your family that doesn’t have a bathroom that is molding its way through the floor. God knows our hearts and when we ask for something that aligns with his will, he will hear us. Now, how do we know if what we are asking is in accordance to his will? I’ve learned that if it is biblical, if it is tune with God’s character, if it isn’t selfish or hurt or hinder anyone else; then it’s probably okay to ask for. When we ask, we also need to know that he answers in many different ways. My pastor has preached on this subject many times before and the way he explains is makes so much sense. He said that sometimes God’s answer to our prayer “no,” either it doesn’t align with his will or he has something better in store for us. Just like I wouldn’t give my son a loaded gun to play with just because he asked; he’s not going to give us something that would ultimately ruin us, just because we want it. Sometimes his answer is “wait,” there may be something you or someone else needs to learn in the process or the timing isn’t right for God to grant it. Then God may say “yes,” the time is right and your request is in God’s will. Whatever you ask for, we just need to trust that whatever God’s answer is, he knows best. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Is.55:8-9) We need to trust that because God knows our path from beginning to end, that he knows what is best for us. That is the “confidence” we can have in him.
So, what is it that you’ve been asking him for? What answer have you been receiving? Why do you think that is?
Today’s Exercise: Prayer
Spend some time today in intentional prayer. Pray big prayers and expect big results, because after all, you can only see big results when you pray big prayers. Right? Forget about the disappointment of not getting what you ask for and focus on the joy of having God’s will unfold in your life. God loves you and wants to give you his “perfect gifts from above,” but he also wants you to have faith that he can give them to you. So, start praying!