1 John 5:14-15 Confidence in Asking

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us–whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15

Here are two verses that are often misread. Many people love to hear the part about how they can approach God to ask Him of something and how He hears them. But many of those same people forget the part that the asking has to be done according to His will.

Most people go to God just like a child goes to see Santa Clause. Every child seeing Santa Clause has a long list of wants, things that they desire to have for a Christmas present. Nearly all the things on that list is for themselves, not for other people.

In this very same way, many Christians approach God with their long list of desires. With many Christians, this is not only desires for themselves, but also for others. The heart is the same though–wanting God to do something for them.

John tells you, however, that this type of approach to God does not work. The approach that works is the person who goes to God and asks Him for something that God desires. All requests must be according to the will of God.

At this point, things get a little tough for most people. If you look at the Bible it appears that it is God’s will to heal all people. So, then, you go ahead and pray for healing for a person. The person does not get healed.

Before you prayed, did you ask God if it was His will to heal that person? Maybe God has that person sick for a time to get his attention; or to be an example of trusting in God for another person; or something else only God knows what.

Not everything that appears good is in God’s will. Remember that His ways are above your ways and His understanding and wisdom is greater than yours. You only see the here and now. God sees the heart and the future also. God knows what is best.

I am not saying not to pray for some desire you have. What I am saying is check to see if that desire is in God’s will. Seek God to find out what He wants in that situation.

When you ask anything that God desires, He will more than gladly fulfill that desire. He wants to do something, you need to be in tune with that something. If you are asking what He desires He will then hear you and answer you.

I pray that today God will reveal what He desires in every situation on your heart; that you will know God’s will and pray according to it; that your prayers will not be selfish; and that God will do mighty things through you because He hears you.