Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (KJV)
When you read these words, do you actually believe them? I don’t mean at the mind level, I mean deep in the recesses of your heart.
Are you at peace with what you are currently believing for, based on these words - without wavering?
There are some of us in the family of God, who believe these words, but think that they must use ‘will power’ - their will power. That with clenched fists and deep staring eyes, they can make demands on God, hoping that He will succumb to those demands. Often they may try, with repetition, to ‘hypnotise’ themselves into believing, that they are going to receive what they desire, but deep down, knowing that they do not fully believe, 100%
I remember when I first came to the Lord, I struggled with prayer and would witness various methods of corporate prayer, and concluded, incorrectly, that there must be a specific formula to receiving answers to my prayers – use coercion and force! After many unsuccessful attempts, the tide turned, when I was set free from my confusion. After much questioning prayer and with the help and guidance of my teacher - the Holy Spirit. I extracted from the many teachings, this one prominent key:-
"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty - Zechariah 4:6 .
It is so sad that one of the commonest reasons for unanswered prayer, is that people think that it is their power, which must achieve the outcome. They do not realise, that it is this kind of belief system that is causing frustration, anxiety, fear and also doubt in their lives.
The Lord clearly states that prayer would be answered for, ‘whosoever shall not doubt in His heart’. He knew, you see, that we would try to believe with our mind, with our feelings and through focusing on what we see.
We need to freely admit that we are humans, that alone we have no power, but that whatever we attempt to do in our flesh will come to nothing. Yes, it may work for a while, but it will not last. As children of God, we must come to understand, once and for all, that natural thinking limits the supernatural action of God in our lives. We need to go beyond our logic, reason and our senses, and as we do so, we will step into the God kind of faith, which will enable us to believe - if God said it – it is true!
Can you truly say, that you are at peace with what you are currently believing for?
Please share your thoughts.
30 comments:
I like this post because this week me and my husband talked about this very thing about do we hope and pray that God answers the way we think He should. And what we discovered is that when we do that we aren't really trusting Him like His word says. Thanks for the confirmation sis
Hi Carole,
This is a very thought provoking post!
I think this is a stumbling block for many Christians, the leap of faith.
Since God cannot lie we need to believe that His word will come true and if He asks us to come to Him and ask for things then we need to believe that He will answer our prayer. Now if when we pray we pray according to His will then we know He will give us what we want. He always answers prayer either, yes, no or not yet. I believe it is the waiting for the answer that can trip us up. It does for me as I can be impatient and want it done yesterday.
It is not by our power but by God. I love the story in the Bible about Gideon and his army of 300. There is so much rich knowledge in the Old Testament stories. Stories of God's glory shining through and His love for us in letting us be a small part of His army when really He doesn't need us at all but can do it all on His own.
Thanks for this post I believe my mind has been set into a motion of thought and prayer that will be bringing me into a closer relationship with God.
Blessings,
<><
Very insightful post...I'd like to think that I truly believe when I pray, that I'll get what I ask for...but often fear and doubt creep in, and I have to make a conscious effort to shut them out and re-commit to trusting God...I like how u remind us in this post to trust God not based on our own power, but on His...Thanks Carole.
Love it! I believe that communing with the Lord helps us to pray and listen. Without the Holy Spirit, how or what would we pray? Our minds are carnal and cannot begin to understand the awesomeness of His ways. I try to ask the Lord for His Comforter, at all times. I don't "really" know what I need, what I want or how to ask. I "try" to always remember to ask for "guidance" in my prayer. What I think I want may lead me away from the Lord, and, I'd rather just not have my heart's desire if that's the outcome. Sometimes, my prayer is as simple as, "Okay--I don't know-I'm here-send your Spirit-help me--I love you--I'm walkin'-I'll do my best...." But, the beauty of being in His Presence is so...wonderful, that my heart just overflows with love and compassion, even in the worst of times. I believe the Lord gives me so much more than I could have ever asked for. If I can just be with Him and stay steeped in His Word, all my "asking" will be done before I can ask. Does that make sense? Thank you, for posting this article. Many blessings!
Carole, this is a very thought provoking post. I too have myself trying to exert my will to believe, etc only to see the prayers unanswered.
I have peace about what I am asking Him for. A peace that comes from the many circumstances I have walked through and survived only because of Him. I know for sure that no matter how He answers my prayers...God is good. All the time.
Thank you for this thought provoking post!!
When I pray I believe God is listening. I believe He will answer my prayer. Sometimes I am not patient. My prayer now is that God will give me patience.
Carole, I love what you wrote:
"As children of God, we must come to understand, once and for all, that natural thinking limits the supernatural action of God in our lives."
This is something I am learning slowly. My human mind and emotions can get in the way of allowing God to work in my circumstances. And yet as I've been going through a very long season of trials, I have felt the Holy Spirit nudge me many times to notice the simple blessings God has provided in the midst of it all. He is good and He is at work on my situation and is answering my prayers. I would like things to change overnight but God knows better. And I'm finding there are important lessons He is teaching me that I would not have understood if He miraculously changed things overnight.
Thank you for your visit to Heart Choices and your comment. I'm glad I came to visit you as you have a wonderful blog.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Hi -
Thank you for this meaningful lesson and reminder. We need to keep our minds stayed on our Lord....
Hi Carole
Your post has really caused me to think. Many times I do "try" to convince God when I pray. Depending on what my prayer is it is sometimes hard to "really" believe without any doubt. I am working on this. My walk isn't always what I know it should be or what I want it to be. Prayer has always been one of those hard things for me. Thank you for this post. It helps.
Blessings to you...Chelle
Hi Carole,
Great post! It is not all about me, but Him. We in our fallen state are always looking to some kind of formula or something to get God to do what we want Him to do. We need to align our hearth with His and let Him do His work.
Thank you for this awesome post and God bless,
Ken
Hey, I just came across your blog by doing a bit of blog-surfing and I'm glad I did! I've added myself as your newest follower, and I hope you'll check out my Christian devotional site as well.
Have a blessed day!
In Christ,
Dakota - A Look at Life from a Deerstand
Love your thought provoking words and your lovely blog. Thanks for visiting health spirituality and glad we connected over the internet and through the love of God.
Excellent post! Without faith it is impossible to please Him. We either believe what God says in His word or we don't. There is no in-between!
Hi Carole,
I very much enjoyed this article. You have a powerful way with words and with sharing God's message. Over the years I've learned that God's Will for me can be different than what I might expect. The leap of faith comes in accepting His Will over mine. Thanks for this great post and blessings to you!
Once again Carole, a wonderful post. I love the way God answers pray, it is never, ever what I expect and always way better. I think He loves to surprise us and always in the most delightful ways. One of my most earnest prays is to increase my faith, everyday of my life until the day faith is replaced by sight. Always enjoy your posts - keep it up girl.
Hi Carole,
I'm so thankful you stopped by my blog and have joined with me on my journey. :) God is so good! Because, here I am, reading this post and saying, "oomph! This is just what I needed!" :o) What's been going on with me over the past several years is I have believed & claimed, "Delight thyself in the LORD and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Yet, when those "desires" had not come to fruition according to my "hopes", even after seeking Him, delighting in Him, I began to wonder.."What's going on?" And whew! Just over the past year I'll tell you what's been going on: He's begun to drain me of my desires....empty me of my "self" and now all the dreams and desires are non-important. By His grace, He has taken those desires and put them in their rightful place: at His feet. No longer will I seek the blessing, but I will seek the Blesser. Do I believe that He is going to answer my prayer and grant me my desires? Yes. What are those desires? Well, it's a "funny thing" because I don't think I have any right now. . .except: "I want to do Thy will, Father." And I know for a fact that He can safely grant this request, whatever it may be, because that is, after all, what He wants for us to desire: to do His will, to bring Him glory, to further our relationship with Him, and be more like Jesus. :)
Thank you for prodding my faith along even more: to truly believe, 100%, without a shadow of a doubt that God is working and will accomplish His will in and through my life! :)
Looking forward to reading more words of wisdom from the Lord, through you. :)
Your sister in Christ,
Tammi
Praise God, I thank everyone for taking the time to read this post and better still to leave a comment. It is truly a subject close to the heart of many Christians. I was unable to reply to each comment, after they were written as my PC was taken away to be fixed, after I had written the post. I was truly overwhelmed that so many had taken the time to comment – God Bless you all.
Desiray
It is wonderful to know that God will confirm His Word through the writings on our blogs.
Child of God
Yes, you are right, there is so much rich knowledge in the Old Testament. We must always ensure that we spend time in the books there, as they help us to understand more of the nature of God.
Anoda Phase
We must use the Word of God to fend off those doubts and fears that attempt to paralyse our faith after we have prayed – the devil is a liar, and will attempt to infiltrate our thoughts with lies and deceit.
Cynthia
Thank you for your comment. I have realised over the years that I cannot prayer without the help of the Holy Spirit. Praise God, He lives inside us we can offer up a prayer at anytime, without an appointment. I do understand what you mean, many times the Lord has answered a prayer, BEFORE, I have even asked it! - Wow how powerful is that!
Wanda
Thank you so much for stopping by, your comment is appreciated.
Aida
Ameeeen! I agree with you said 100%
JT
I too have confidence that God answers prayer – He is working on me too with patience and He is gracious to do so patiently!
Debbie
What you have said resonates with me. Overnight change can happen miraculously, however, sometimes, God wants us to learn and grow as He reveals our change in bite size chunks.
Lioneagle
Nice to hear from you again – stay blessed in all you do.
Wanda
Thank you so much for stopping by, your comment is appreciated.
Ken
Amen, we need to align our heart with God – I like that!
Dakota
Welcome to The Faith Lounge, don’t hesitate to visit again for a time of refreshing.
Jean Wise
Hi, I love your blog and I am honoured that you stopped by here, God Bless.
Ron Joe Geezer
Hey, glad you popped by and left a comment. Your blog posts always give me a chuckle.
Dolores
A leap of faith certainly does come when we accept His will over ours for our life. Thank you for your comment and God Bless you and your family.
Caryn
Thank you for your encouraging comment, I am delighted that you enjoy reading my posts – I will try and do more as the Spirit leads.
Tammi
What a wonderful comment. It is great that we can prod each other along in this exciting but sometimes difficult journey. Tammi, do not give up – just keep standing on the promises of God, they truly work wonders in our lives.
I also remember thinking that it's just enough to pray and like a magic formula, everything will fall into places. GOD knows our needs even before we present them to Him. Nevertheless, we shall not be bossy and make demands. After all, we make prayer 'requests' to GOD. Because He knows best, we should trust Him when He says 'no'. That's why I remember myself that GOD's will is the best. I look forward to read your comments on my blog www.praiseprayprosper.com Remain blessed!
Hi J & P, thank you for visiting The Faith Lounge again. Love your comment - yes we should not make demands on God, we should let Him have His own way in our lives. After all HE KNOWS BEST!
God bless you more
Wonderful words and a good reminder for me. Thank you for sharing this Carole. Have a lovely weekend!
Great post as always my sister. And by the way I have an update for you about stepping out in faith..Send me your email address and I will tell you all about it. God has been doing some great things
Wow! Desiray, what a powerful testimony you shared with me by e-mail. I am blessed and honoured that you you shared it with me. You have, encouraged and motivated me to do more for our heavenly Father and to ensure that I am always ready to go where He leads.
God is moving in a powerful way. He surely has been preparing you for such a time as this. Glory to His name.
Hey Carole! thank you so much for this post. I truly do not believe that enough can be said or it cannot be stressed enough to people that just "asking God for something is not enough. I have heard so many times in my life "God says He will give me the desires of my heart, and he didn't answer my prayer. Well, first off. That isn't all it says, there are scriptures above it and below it. Psalm 37:3-5 states (3)Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
(4)Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
(5)Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Now I don't know how others think about this, but I think that these scriptures were put together for a reason. We are not to just pray some words, tell God how badly we want something and go our merry way. If we expect and want our prayers to be answered we must delight ourselves in the Lord. (Study His Word) Enjoy time with Him, build a relationship with Him. That last verse says it all. Commit thy way unto the Lord and it shall come to pass.
People have a tendency to "piece read". Read what they agree with and skip over the rest. If it says we actually have to "do" something, forget it. We want everything handed to us. That's not going to happen. If we will do as these scriptures say, then we will become closer to God and His will will become our will, then our desires will come to pass. He is not going to give us something that is not good for us. Well, I guess I'd better get off my soapbox for now. LOL! God Bless,
PJ
I love your comment PJ as this is something I have thought many times.
We have to be careful not to isolate verses in God's Word just to fit our situations. It could cause us to become frustrated if we do not experience the manifestation of a particular promise.
I can see a blog post coming on this subject! LOL
Blessings to you and your family.
Dear Carole,
Thank you so much for posting, I have definitely been blessed and refreshed by reading this post, will most definitely be back. Have a blessed weekend, Amanda
Thank you so much for this post Carole.
I do have peace about my prayer request, but most importantly i leave it up to God because His ways are better than mine.
Some of my request were not granted and in time pass, I have seen that those request were out of selfish ambition and not God's choice for me. So I constantly thank God for Unanswered prayers.
Regards
Buky
Amanda,
bless you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I am delighted that you were refreshed.
Buky
Nice to hear from you again. I know you are busy with your growing family.
It's interesting when we reflect on those prayers that God did not answer. Praise God that His ways are not our ways and that He knows the begining from the end.
Hi Carole -
Please comment on my post entered today, Sunday July 24, 2011 EST. It is on my MAIN blog www.lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com
I need viewpoints to help with a Bible topic.
Thank you, Carole, for your consideration.
Hi -
Our Lord led me hear today to read this again.
I love this that you expressed,
"We need to go beyond our logic, reason and our senses, and as we do so, we will step into the God kind of faith, which will enable us to believe - if God said it – it is true!"
Hearty Amens to this rich message.
Post a Comment