We are quite confident that if we ask [H]im for anything, and it is in accordance with [H]is will, [H]e will hear us; and knowing that whatever we may ask, [H]e hears us, we know that we have already been granted what we asked of [H]im. 1 John 5: 14, TJB, Reader’s Edition
Dear God, as we enter the study of Your word, please guide us by Your Holy Spirit into greater depths of powerful praying; for Christ’s sake, Amen
Our promise for today, constitutes a sort of sequel in understanding yesterday’s promise, more completely! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know God, and to know His will so fully, that whenever we prayed, we could rest in the assurance that our prayer would be answered, whatever that prayer was? That kind of praying is what I refer to, as, praying with certainty! We will look at our promise for today, in two parts:
1.)” We are quite confident that if we ask [H]im for anything, and it is in accordance with [H]is will, [H]e will hear us.” The key here is praying according to His will! Not every request from our children has been in accordance with our will. And usually when it was not, it was because they had requested something that we knew was not good for them. Perhaps they were not aware of this, but we were. A good parent will most likely not grant his or her child what they asked for, under those circumstances. Jesus put it this way: ” ‘If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!’ ” Things are not always what they seem. But God knows what is best, and He answers our prayers according to His knowledge. Don’t ever forget, God hears us when we pray; and He answers our prayers in love! What He wills for us, is an expression of His love toward us.
2.) “…and knowing that whatever we may ask, [H]e hears us, we know that we have already been granted what we asked of [H]im.” Notice where the assurance of receiving what we asked for lies; in the fact that He hears us! Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a conversation, and after a while you were not hearing what the other person was saying? I don’t know what your answer to that question was, but unfortunately, I have to reply yes, it has happened to me. As I consider this promise, it gives me such joy to know that when I pray, I have God’s undivided attention! Isn’t that wonderful? Perhaps you have heard me say what I am about to say, before; and at some point, you will hear me say it, again: One of the attributes of God that I love the most, is that He is such a personal Savior! When we pray, God takes the time to listen, and hear! He cares about what we have to say; it matters to Him!
That is why the three Hebrew young men could answer the king with such certainty. They knew that they were not only praying, but living, in accordance with the will of God. They also knew that God in His matchless love had willed, that they should live. Therefore, when they prayed for deliverance, they were certain that God would deliver them! And He did!
He will do the same for you and for me! Praise God!