DaySpring Daily Word of Inspiration: 1 John 5:14-15 – 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.
Did you know that you can have anything that you ask for from God? No, really! Now I know what you’re thinking; that’s bologna, sike, not possible, it hasn’t happened yet, and a host of other things we say to combat this truth. The reality though is that it is absolutely, 100% true! We have a couple of misconceptions that once we get passed we’ll be able to see the results of our requests manifest in real life.
One of the first and biggest obstacles to overcome is the actual request of God. See when we make requests in prayers and in our mind, we tend to ask for stuff; now stuff isn’t bad AT ALL, however, if this stuff is going to take you further away from God and what he has purposed for your life, why would he give it to you? In our passage today we can’t skip over such a huge portion of the text because when we do, this is how we become discouraged and mad at God for not “showing up like He said He would”. This huge segment is “according to His will”! We ask for the cars, money, houses, relationships, jobs, and everything else but who said that was God’s will for you (or at least at that time in your life)? Do you think God would give you a car that would help make it easier for you to attract people with; to feed your ego? Do you believe that God would supply all of the money in world to you so you can be arrogant or try to win the esteem of men? Do you think it would be God’s will to have you in a relationship that didn’t honor him or the principles He’s given for us to live by? So why are we mad when we don’t get these things? Remember God is the giver of every good and perfect thing (James 1:17). Some of our wants and desires are not the perfect thing that will bring us or others into a great relationship with Christ. God isn’t concerned about our material things; He’s concern about souls being reconciled to God through the acceptance of the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. Once we start asking for the good things that will enhance His will in our lives – these are the things we can expect to receive freely and unlimited. Just a FYI, those would be things like peace, joy, love, patience, and the like (Galatians 5:22-24). There is no law against these things so God is willing to give them to you in excess! When we ask for these good things, we are showcasing we have allowed those former desires of our hearts, of our very flesh to be crucified; meaning they are no longer a distraction or want and God can truly give us what we need when we request it.
Secondly, we have to know that the thing we’re asking for will be given. There is no confidence in asking for a new car if you know you don’t have the money to pay for it. Now think about how that sounds in a prayer request to God? The one who knows you better than yourself… We have to approach the Father with His will in mind and with confidence knowing that He can and will supply every good thing that you NEED! If you don’t think God can make it happen; using words like, “I hope”, “well maybe”, “if you want to”, or even, “God, if you’re able” – WHAT???? How can you doubt the abilities of the Creator of everything?!!! Not only do we have to line our lives up with being within God will with our requests, we have to KNOW that He richly wants to give us anything and everything that is good! Why? Because we have a job to do and only His goodness, His good attributes, and His good news will be able to get the job done in your life and the lives of others.
Today we pray that as you begin to start this season with New Year’s resolutions, plans for your income tax refund, and hopes and plans for the new year, that you stop, think, and begin to ask God for wisdom with what He gives you, for dedication to what’s good that will keep you on track, and hope in getting closer to Him so He can relieve your stress and anxiety with a new beginning. I truly believe if we ask God for these things, He’ll unleash His goodness in every area you open up to Him so that your requests can be answered and you can experience Him in a new and refreshing way. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!