Mark 11:20-24
Prayer and faith are strongly connected. As we saw yesterday, James 1:6-7 says we “must believe and not doubt,” or else we shouldn’t expect to receive anything from God. But what does that mean? And if we do combine our prayers with faith, are we to think the Lord will give us whatever we ask?
Jesus said, “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22). In other words, trust in the Lord is the foundation for prayer. If our requests are incompatible with His teachings, then we have no reason to believe He’ll answer. And Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane teaches us that ultimate trust in God says, “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
1 John 5:14-15 tells us we can count on God answering requests prayed according to His will. As we fill our mind with God’s Word, our desires and requests begin to align with His. When that’s the case, we can confidently expect to receive whatever we ask. And in those instances when we’re not sure of His will, His Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Rom. 8:27).
As a loving heavenly Father, God protects, provides, guides, and cares for us. He has proven His love by sending His Son. And remember, the obstacles in our life are never a problem for God, which means we can trust Him with all our concerns.
Bible in One Year: Acts 16-17
