1 John 5:14-16 – “And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”  NASB

Through the years I have noticed that Christians talk a lot about faith.  Sometimes it is wishing they had faith or more faith.  Some wish they had the faith of Paul, Elijah, Moses, Daniel, or some other mighty man of the Bible.  I have had discussions with preachers and names such as Charles Finney, E.M. Bounds, Leonard Ravenhill, Martin Luther, Charles Wesley, John Hyde, David Brainard or some other legendary man of the past arises and the wish for a ministry or faith like they had is expressed. We marvel and are awed by those who are able to get results from God.  We are often captivated by them because they have something that we wish we had or perceive we do not have.

Tragically, we sometimes utter answer-less prayers expecting nothing and getting what we expected.  In our finite minds, we visualize God as a God limited in our situation but able to do great exploits for others.  There is a real problem that has a simple solution.  I said simple not necessarily easy!

God made His Word simple for the person who will seek His face and has the desire to discern and obey His will.  The Bible is an open book understood in precepts and principles both specific and general.  We have the Promise of Scripture that the Holy Spirit will:

• Guide Us into All Truth.

He will guide or lead us but will not drive us to truth. God never forces us to receive His Truth. He almost never drops truth in our laps when there is no investment on our part.  Leading implies that someone is following.  Likewise, when driving begins leading ends.  It is a cooperative effort – He leads, and we follow.

• Teach Us the Things of Christ.

Teaching does not take place unless there is learning on the part of the disciple or student.  Our openness to His instruction is necessary for Him to impart truth and knowledge to us.  It is for use not hoarding that He gives revelation.

• Bring to Our Remembrance Christ’s Words.

The Holy Spirit is our resource bank of the Word of God.  He enables us to learn the precepts and principles of God so that we can function according to God’s purposes and plan. 

This is for everyone!  All who will avail themselves to His Promises can receive His Promises!  The Bible gives us a simple key to answered prayer and that key is available to whosoever will. 

I believe that based on the revelation of Romans 13:8 that Jesus is eternally the same, past, present, and future.  I rely on the revelation of Acts 10:34 that God is not a respecter of persons.  I build my faith on the declaration of James 1:17 that there is no variableness in God.  He is always the same and the same for everyone. 

I stand on Psalms 119:89 that His word is forever settled in Heaven and does not change.  I rest in Psalms 119:152, “Concerning thy testimonies, I have found of old that Thou hast founded them forever.”  I trust the words of Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”  My anchor is secured by 1 Peter 1:25, “But the Word of the LORD endures forever.”

God’s Word is sure and can be relied on in every situation.  So, if there is a key to answered prayer what is it and where can we find it?  That is what we will discuss in the next devotional.  It is found in the text that we used, and we will attempt to open it up at that time.

Until then, may God be with you and enable you to enjoy this beautiful day in Him!