As we continue our walk through 1 John, we pick up at verse 21 of Chapter 3. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle writes:
“Dear Friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from Him anything we ask, because we keep His commands and do what pleases Him.”
1 John 3: 21-22
Did John get this right? Was he hearing the Holy Spirit right? Can we have anything we ask of the Father?
In the Gospel of Matthew it is recorded that Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matt 7:7-8.) Later Jesus told His disciples as recorded in (Matt 21:22), “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” At another time, The Lord said, “If you remain in me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7).
At another time when Jesus was on His way to raise a young girl from the dead, a lady who had been bleeding for 12 years was healed by the touch of His garment. He told her “Your faith has healed you.” Before He arrived He was asked by two blind men to heal them, He asked, “Do you believe I am able to do this? ” “Yes Lord, they replied.” Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.”, and their sight was restored. (Matthew 9: 27-30) He healed the sick, raised the dead,and restored sight to the blind just to name a few of His miracles – and He did them through His faith and confidence in His Father.
Let us not allow our hearts to condemn us because of lack of faith. Let us have confidence in what the Lord has told us, and shown us. Let us trust that He always gives us what is best for all concerned as we ask, as we seek, as we knock on the door of the kingdom for our every need and right desire. Jesus said “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20,21). Let us put our confidence in Him, and He will perfect our faith for us. (Hebrews 12:2)
May the Lord bless you in all things, and in all ways, my Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus. May His love shine through you.
Poppa B.
Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, On Line