Confidence

“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.”

I John 5:14-15

 

Confidence – A faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper or effective way...

The quality or state of being certain…

A relation of trust or intimacy….

Another way of saying I John 5:14 might be -

Our trusting and intimate relationship with God causes us to approach Him,

asking anything according to His will, knowing that He hears us!

Do you have confidence in God?

Before you answer “YES!” with a well-rehearsed

 (isn’t that what Christians are supposed to say)

and conditioned response; really stop and think about it for a moment.   

If I can confidently answer yes, then wouldn’t you expect that all my prayers are answered?

Isn’t that what we read?

Oh, I see – there’s a ‘condition’ and a pretty huge one isn’t it?

Am I asking according to His will?

That demands then, that I know His will.

I think I have a pretty good relationship with my wife.

But even after more than 33 years of marriage I don’t always know her ‘will’ in some matters.

Oh, sure I’m better than I was in our first year of marriage but I’m not perfect and there is plenty of room to grow.

The same is true in our relationship with God.

Our confidence that He hears and answers our prayers grows as we grow in knowing His will.

Intimacy and trust – it works in a marriage and it works in my relationship with God.

Not sure you know His will in a matter?

Ask Him.

Then take time to listen for His answer!

As you do, your confidence – and dare I say it – your answered prayers will grow.