Confidence IN GOD

And this the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1 John 5:14-15 KJV

When a child asks a parent for something, they truly believe their parents would give it to them. There is no doubt in the mind of the child. They confidently believe they will receive what they asked for. Not only do they believe they would receive it, but they expect to receive it.

How many of us truly believe that if we ask God for something we would receive it. The scripture says, ‘and this is the confidence that we have in him’. This confidence says that we believe we will receive what we ask for. This confidence says that we know that God will answer. However, there are some pre-requisites that goes along with asking.

The first requirement to receiving from God is actually asking. Ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not - James 4:2b. The second requirement is believing; But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that waver is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed, James 1:6. Thirdly, we must ask according to His will. Our asking must not be driven by selfish motives. Our asking must be in alignment with what pleases Him. When what we ask for is in accordance with His will, He will hear, and He will answer. Whatever we ask for, should bring glory to God the Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son, John 14:13.

Let’s look at a few things that can hinder God from answering our prayers. Doubting – he who doubts let him not think he will receive any thing of the Lord, James 1:7. Wrong motives - And when you ask, you do not receive it, because your motives are bad; you ask for things to use for your own pleasures, James 4:3 GNT. Lack of faith, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him – Hebrews 11:6

Let’s put our confidence in God, knowing that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he will hear and answer. Let’s make sure, we ask, not just ask, but ask in faith, no doubting and with the right motive. I know we will receive from God, because He is a good Father, and do not forget to glorify His Name.