"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24 NIV
Have you ever prayed and felt like your prayer has not been answered? Have you ever thought that it is because you lacked faith? If you are like me, you will probably answer yes to both of these questions.
When we pray, we are to have an absolute belief that our prayers will be answered. Today’s verse says we are to pray as if our prayers are answered before we ask. Sometimes though, maybe even usually, God’s answer is not instantaneous or comes in forms least expected. We know that God answers prayer because we have all experienced his grace. Looking back on these experiences, we also recall the answer came in some pretty unique ways.
We also need to be mindful of “whatever you ask.” As humans, we have ideas of what we want and what we think is good for us, but we are often short-sighted. What we are asking for may not be what God has in plan for us, or it might even be determinantal to us. In the “whatever you ask,” we need to seek God’s will. While it might not be the answer we want, God has the long-view in mind, and his reply will never do us harm.
Does this mean we should not ask in faith, believing God will answer? Certainly not, but in the asking, we must seek God, and in the receiving, be open to possibilities. God will answer our prayers guaranteed.
Our gracious and loving God, we give you thanks for answered prayers. We come to you with full belief that you have responded to our prayers. We come seeking your will. We do not know the when or how, but we have confidence that our prayer has been answered. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
