Prayer Promises
John 16:23-24 (AMP) In that day you will not [need to] ask Me about anything. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name [as My representative], He will give you. Until now you have not asked [the Father] for anything in My name; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full and complete.
Ask and keep on asking and you will receive. What a great promise to us from Jesus! This verse reminds me of the scripture in Matthew when Jesus said to have the faith like a child. My children had a great revelation of the above verse at a young age. They would ask and ask and ask and ask and keep on asking and eventually they will receive what they are asking for. Now in the middle of all the asking, I had them do something - such as simple chores - put your laundry away, take the dog out, put your dishes in the dishwasher. THEN I will grant them what they are asking (probably something sweet). Once they do what was required of them, and they say, "Mommy, now can I have a snack?" (or fill in the blank) I will say yes.
If we ask God for something once, do we really want it that bad? Or if we ask God for something over and over yet never do anything in our natural abilities to get closer to receiving it or are living in disobedience, God will not hand it over to us. But when we understand we are partners with God we will realize we have work to do on our end and walk in faith believing that He will provide for us whatever we ask in the name of His Son (and according to His will) then we will have it. What are you believing God for today? How many times have you gone to Him in prayer (not in complaining) and asked for it? Have you been doing your part to receive what you are asking for? God will put His super on our natural and a miracle will happen.
If I was believing for God to help me receive a new vehicle, yet I am not saving any of my money nor taking care of the vehicle I already have then my prayers would be a waste of time. But if I was doing everything I could on my end (saving as much as I could and taking care of the current vehicle) then I would have no problem believing God for something better. He could send me to the right dealership or individual at the right time and the price could be better than expected. Or even better, someone else may just give me a vehicle - yes, that's the God I serve! We have sown and reaped vehicles so when it comes to having a need, we know we can fully trust in God.
When you pray, pray for His will and do your part and believe in faith that you will receive it. God desires to bless His children just as any good parent would yet our children must be in obedience.
Matthew 18:2-4 (AMP) He called a little child and set him before them, and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
