And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. – Matthew 21:22
What is the difference between expectation and faith? Conventional wisdom in the self-help world encourages you to release your expectations of others and make space for people to be broken and “human” in your relationships. In a person to person context that is good advice! But what about your relationship with God?
The Bible is clear your spiritual walk is based on God’s character and the trust you place in Him. “Ask of me” is a theme in the Bible repeatedly revealing that He wants you to bring your requests to Him in faith. Faith is believing He is who He says He is regardless of anything else. However, at the point of dashed desires it is easy to set your expectations too low and miss that He is listening and answering. He IS bringing you into the likeness of His beautiful Son, creating in you a heart of gratitude. He IS redeeming and restoring the world to praise Him, amidst chaos and confusion. The circumstances may be uncomfortable, but He IS Good and His mercy towards mankind IS infinite. Your prayers are part of what He is accomplishing today. “The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29).
God will do all things in His own time and in His own way. Ask today for lawmakers in America and others with decision making responsibilities to find faith in God putting their trust in Him. Continue to pray for America in great expectation, having faith that God IS doing great things.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 21:22
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 7:7-11
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
