To The Bible: 3 Corinthians 1:20 NIV
‘For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.’
LET’S TALK
Some folks are of the opinion that God sometimes says “Yes” and sometimes says “No” when they pray to Him. They assume He’d disapprove of any request they make that’s not pleasing to Him, and therefore not grant it. This sounds true and religious, but that’s just what it is—religion.
When you study your Bible carefully, you’ll discover that God never says “No.” In fact, our theme scripture above bears testimony to this truth. But you may ask, “What if I pray outside God’s will?” That’s a different ball game entirely, because if you pray outside His will, He doesn’t even hear you at all. And so, you don’t receive an answer, because you asked wrongly (James 4:3). The Bible says, “And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours” (1 John 5:14-15 MSG).
Hence, your “not receiving” isn’t because He declined; rather, it’s because He didn’t even hear the prayer. To pray according to His will means to pray according to His Word, because His Word represents His will. And when you do this, you can be sure He’s listening, and so whatever you ask is as good as yours. Take a hold of His Word today, and expect answers when you pray.
Go Deeper: Ephesians 3:20, Philippians 4:19
Pray
Dear Father, I thank you for the victorious life you’ve given me in Christ. I’m enlightened by the Word to know I have the right to be heard when I pray. And I’m taking advantage of God’s grace in my life, freely asking and receiving, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Act
What’s the desire in your heart? Go ahead and ask for it, praying according to the Word of God.