Confidence to Ask
1 John 5:13-15 (NIV)
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
Growing up, eating out at restaurants was considered a treat. I used to hope every week that my parents would say, “Yes, we are going to McDonald’s today.” Most of the time, they didn’t. Maybe you were one of those kids who begged your parents to take you there and heard the dreaded phrase, “We have food at home.” Does that mean they didn’t hear you? No. Does it mean that they didn’t love you? No. It’s just that your request didn’t match what they wanted for you at that moment.
As John finishes his letter, he explains why he wrote these things. He wants the church to believe in the name of Jesus. To believe “in the name” is the same as believing in the person. He wants them to know that they have eternal life through Jesus. You’ll remember from our earlier discussions that these Christians just watched others from their church leave and turn their backs on God. John wants them to know that they don’t have to follow in their footsteps. Believing in Jesus leads to life. John wants them, and us, to find the life God gives.
The NIV has omitted the conjunction “and” that is found in the Greek, which ties together verses 13 and 14. These verses read like this: “you have eternal life, [and] this is the confidence we have…” John reminds us that we are already assured of our place with God because we believe in Jesus. Therefore, we should have confidence in approaching God, specifically confidence that He hears us. You might be tempted at this moment to think back to a prayer that seemingly went unanswered. Is John wrong?
The key is found in the phrase “according to his will.” Our prayers should match what God wants. Jesus said in John 6:38 that He didn’t come to do His will but the Father’s will. In John 15:7, Jesus says that if we remain in Him, our prayers will be answered. If we are spiritually in lock step with Jesus, then our prayers will conform to God’s plan.
When you pray, make sure that what you pray for isn’t based only on what you want at that moment. Instead, take time to sit with Jesus and ask Him what He wants. You may want McDonald’s badly, but God may have something different in mind. I promise that God’s plan is always better in the end. If you pray according to God’s will, He will answer that prayer.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for hearing us when we pray. Help us to remain in step with You so that we may know Your will. Help us to pray according to Your plans. We thank You in advance for the prayers You will answer and the miracles You will perform. Amen.