24 Therefore I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for — believe that you have received them, and you will have them.
The truth of the blessings from God that come to us is often clouded by the “wants” of our asking. Throughout the New Testament we read scripture that clearly tells us to ask for what we want. To plead for our desires and even more so, that God will GRANT those things to come to us.
Now, the problem may not come in the desires. I believe after time in faith and dedication to our Lord, a veteran believer will ask for the things HE WANTS and they can truly line up with the things GOD WANTS.
The problem may be in the 2nd part of the sentence… to BELIEVE that you have received them! I have felt this contradiction in my own experience, yet when looking back over situations and years of my petitions, the ACTUAL blessing was in fact there, present in front of me, before I had actually thought I received it.
I fear we don’t want to ask. As we grow in faith a few excuses may tend to show up before our requests…
1. Does God really want me to have that ?
2. Does God really want me to be happy?
3. Am I capable of handling this blessing?
Do any of those questions pass through your mind? It is understandable for most of us. Even years of faith by those recorded in the bible have shown to allow fear, hesitation, and even shame to cloud our vision of God’s blessings and plans. Look at David, Solomon, even Moses, all men that had a first hand seat to God’s power, blessings, and plans yet all still failed to maintain their clear vision amidst sin and struggle.
Are we no different? We must make the ask… Let’s try changing our three questions to a different perspective in prayer to unleash the reality that God has in store for us…
1. What does God WANT me to have that I can use to glorify Him with?
2. Can God grant me contentment and JOY today?
3. Here I am Lord, although I may need feel able, I know YOUR are able to do all things. Can you show me how to handle this blessing?
Make the ask. I am confident that the things God has already given us are capable of taking us to the “next level” faith with Him. Additionally, I am sure that He is a God of abundance and security and doubt and hesitation are NOT NEEDED when we ask Him for things. Make the ask today and BELIEVE He has provided. The belief is the key to unlock the flow and the belief is the key to unlock His power.
Barnabas Man 