And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.
1 John 5:14 NLT

God is making it very clear that He hears us when we are asking for something, anything, that is in alignment with His will, values, and purposes. In response, He provides us with what is needed to do what is being asked for. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. 1 John 5:15 NLT

Reflection

There is a difference for me as a father when my children are asking for something that is in alignment with who I am compared to a request that strays outside of the values and priorities I deem as important to our family and shared faith.

While I may listen to requests that would take us off course, I don’t feed these ideas, even though the requests may be pursued with great passion, persistence, and supporting rationale. My kids have come to know this about me.

However, when a request is made that is an extension of our values and faith, I want to do everything I can to respond to that request. My kids have also come to know the truth of this. While my efforts as a father are far from perfect, this is what I try to do. With God, it is a different story. He does this perfectly in every way every time.

This is what God is getting at in these words from 1 John. Have confidence in asking God for everything related to His will being accomplished in this world. He will hear, answer, and provide.

Encouragement

Do you ever have a crisis of confidence that God hears you? Let me encourage you to set that aside and pick up the truth of His Scripture. As you follow God, ask with confidence what is needed to live life for Him in this world. God will answer you.

Prayer

Dear Father God,

Thank You for reminding us just how attentive and responsive You are in providing what we ask for as we follow You and pursue Your will for our lives. Help us set aside any crisis of confidence in asking you for what is needed and beneficial to following You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

-Ed McDowell, CEO
Warm Beach Camp Ministries