“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, 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 the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15  (NKJV)

Uncertain times have a way of testing the human heart. The biggest test we are facing today is whether we believe God is who He says is, and will He do what He promises to do? The Bible speaks of a time that people’s hearts will fail them for fear of the expectations of things coming on the earth (Luke 21:26). 

It’s easy to believe God when things are good or so call normal. Circumstances of least resistance don’t challenge nor strengthen our faith. There are times when God steps out of the classroom and allows us to face unusual conditions so that we can see where we stand with Him. God is the same, whether we sense His presence or not. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

God has gifted us with a mighty weapon that has explosive power—prayer. He has been answering the prayers of His children and responding to their cries for generations. When used correctly, this mighty weapon is as effective as it was thousands of years ago when “…men began to call upon the name of the Lord” (Genesis 4:26).

When King David needed a boost of confidence in the Lord, his God, he would bring to mind and rehearse the things God had already done for him. Recall can also be a helpful tool when we need our confidence in God stimulated. God left us countless biblical examples of His faithfulness. Walk with me down memory lane, and let’s recall how God answered His children’s prayers throughout the ages.

—Job’s three friends found themselves in hot water for speaking the wrong things about God. God in His mercy allowed Job to be the intercessor for his friends. God accepted Job’s prayers on their behalf. Not only were Job’s friends spared punishment, but God restored Job’s health and wealth as well when he prayed for his friends. “And the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10).

—King Hezekiah was sick unto death according to the report of the Lord. After receiving this news, Hezekiah wept bitterly, turned his face to the wall, and prayed to his God. Listen to what happened after Hezekiah humbled himself. “And the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, saying, “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years” (Isaiah 38:4-5).

—When the son of a widow woman died, Elijah cried out to God to restore his life. I Kings 17:22 states, “Then the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived.”

—Jonah found himself in a desperate situation due to his disobedience, but when he cried out to God, God delivered him. “Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly. And he said: “I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, And He answered me. “Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and You heard my voice…So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land” (Jonah 2:1-2,10).

—Peter knew that all doubt and unbelief had to be dismissed before God would intervene in the situation he was facing. “But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up” (Acts 9:40).

—The course of this world was changed forever because of unified prayer. “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).

—Age shouldn’t be a deterrent to prayer. “But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John” (Luke 1:13).

Now that we have seen the faithfulness of God for ourselves, are you convinced that God still answers prayer? My sisters and brothers, we have been administered a test by God, will your score be passed or failed?

Pray…

Lord, I don’t want to be the doubter that has to be dismissed for you to work. Give me the faith to believe that you are as faithful today to answer your servant’s prayers as you were in times of old. Help my unbelief. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Posted by on Wednesday, July 1st, 2020 @ 11:08AM
Categories: Empowering, Encouragement, Inspirational