Rhapsody of Realities TeeVo;
Tuesday, July 21st,2020;
STOP THE TEARS
(Jesus Is Moved By Your Faith And Not Your Crying)
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome;
TO THE BIBLE
1 John 5:14-15 “…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.”
LET’S TALK
Some people will look at 1 John 5:14 and conclude erroneously that God picks the prayers to give answers to, provided that they’re “according to His will,” but that’s not what Apostle John is saying here. He’s talking about having a hearing before the Father. You see, God has a will—a design or plan—for prayer, and if you pray according to that design of God for prayer—His will for asking—you’ll be heard. And His will is that you pray in the Name of Jesus (John 16:23- 24); otherwise, you won’t be heard, even if you cry day and night.
Recall the account, in the ninth chapter of Matthew, of two blind men who followed Jesus, crying, “…Son of David, have mercy on us” (Matthew 9:27). Jesus didn’t say anything to them. They kept wailing and yelling, following Him; yet, He didn’t respond. Eventually, He asked them, “…Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord”” (Matthew 9:28). The Bible says, “…He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you”” (Matthew 9:29), and He walked away.
You’d have thought because of their persistent crying, the Master would oblige them immediately, but no; He’s moved by faith and not tears. It’s not about how much you cry; you have to act on the Word. Crying in worship and fellowship as your emotions are channelled towards God is okay, but crying from pain, sickness, or trouble won’t change anything. What you need to do, for God to hear and answer your prayer, is to ask boldly in the Name of Jesus. That’s asking according to His will and design, and this guarantees you a hearing.
Moreover, 1 John 5:15 assures that if you know that you’ve been heard, you’re also sure that your requests are granted. Isn’t it great to know that you can boldly ask anything of the Father— in the Name of Jesus—and receive an answer? He’s more willing to hear and answer you than you’re willing to ask. Therefore, be bold to ask what you will, in the Name of Jesus!
Go Deeper
1 Peter 3:12; Romans 8:26-27; Luke 12:32
Pray
Dear Father, thank you for the privilege and opportunity to pray. Your will is unveiled to my spirit, through your Word, and I’m confident of your love and power at work in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Acts 27:1-26, Psalms 21-22
TWO YEAR
Luke 10:1-9, Joshua 18
Act
Talk to God right now and make demands in the Name of Jesus!