One of the greater challenges we all deal with in these times is knowing FATHER has heard and is responding to our prayers. First, our prayer requests reside in the spirit realm and then the physical responds and manifestation occurs. The Beloved Disciple wrote in 1 John chapter 5:
14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
We must fully embrace these words which communicate FATHER’S promise to us. It would seem simple but our minds are overrun with contradictory information which challenges the means by which FATHER operates. The world is constantly throwing out alternatives of an inferior nature to deal with our problems. For example, if I have a headache, I can ask FATHER to heal me of that headache. The world promotes the use of an aspirin to treat the symptom. An aspirin may be a convenient alternative to standing on FATHER’S Word but it will not build our trust and faith in HIM. As we lean on HIM, our expectation of answered prayer grows. It is our choice of which path we take.
Jesus clearly stated that there are different levels of faith: no faith, little faith, and great faith. Which classification would each of us place ourselves in? Are we committed to walking in great faith? What is preventing us from doing so? Those who believe we have no choice where everything is predetermined for us, effectively walk in little or no faith. FATHER has given us the choice in how we live our lives and whether or not we want to pursue a life of great faith and trust in HIM.
“If we ask anything according to His will” is the key to success when we petition HIM in prayer. These writings are meant to promote a deeper trust and reliance on FATHER and HIS Word so that when we pray, we will know we have the petitions we have asked of HIM. This reliance must overcome all of the external input from the world we receive on a daily basis. Advertisers and so-called “experts” constantly give us their opinions and solutions to our problems. Our minds take in all of this rhetoric and challenges the Word when a problem arises. We must develop our spirit man to become stronger than our mind and not allow our mind to rule our conduct and response. Paul talks of this war in Romans chapter 7:14-25. We must choose to walk in THE SPIRIT rather than in the flesh.
If we will immerse ourselves in HIS Word, then we will begin to see good fruit in response. The key is to continue in the Word, not just read it once and say “I’m done.” FATHER’S Word is multifaceted and those of us who have continued in HIS Word over time, know that there is always fresh revelation to be found in Scripture. Jesus gave us this key in John chapter 8:
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide (continue) in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
The Truth shall make us free in what area of our lives? All areas, for it is not restricted to just salvation but includes all the promises of Our Heavenly Father. The blessing of knowing includes us being free from sin, sickness, and other hindrances to our walk with HIM. The blessing of knowing requires us to trust Our Heavenly Father and HIS unwavering Word.