What is the focus of your prayer life right now? Is it something for yourself or are you praying for another asking Him to act on their behalf? We all have things in our lives right now we’d like to see God do. Many of us will take the desire a step further and actually turn it into a prayer request. Will you go a step further than praying for your desire? Are you believing God to move on your behalf, to do the thing you’re asking?
Mosie Lister said “Prayer is the key to Heaven, but faith unlocks the door.” Mark 11:24 says “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” I’m not suggesting we become part of the name it claim it campaign of prayer. What I am suggesting is we believe our Father loves us and He desires to give us good gifts [Matthew 7:11]. He may choose to give us something different than we ask, because He knows what is best for us. That’s no different than you giving your children a well balanced meal for dinner instead of the slice of cake with a side of chocolate milk. You know the balanced meal is best for them.
We need to share the desires of our heart with the Lord and trust that He loves us enough to do what is best for us. Those who came to Jesus in the Word asking for Him to help them were not disappointed. They didn’t always get exactly what they asked for, but He responded to every single request. Mary didn’t have Jesus come away with her the moment she cried out to Him on Lazarus’ behalf; however, Jesus did come and raise Lazarus from the dead and the greater glory of God was revealed [John 11:43]. The centurion didn’t know Jesus personally, but He believed in what he had heard about Jesus enough to ask for him to come and heal his servant [Luke 7:3-10]. He was not disappointed. Think of those who witnessed this act of faith and the Lord’s response. I would bet if we knew the whole story of the centurion, his entire household and those close by who witnessed this healing put their faith in the Lord. By responded as He saw fit, the Lord was magnified and glorified more than if He had taken off running the moment His presence was requested. We must believe not only does He hear us and respond to us, but He responds in a way to bring about the greatest impact for the Kingdom.
Matthew 7:7 says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Take some time to talk with Daddy today and trust Him to give you what is best!