" Answered Prayer "

1st. John 5:10-16   " He that believeth on the SON of GOD hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not GOD hath made HIM a liar; because he believeth not the record that GOD gave of HIS SON. And this is the record, that GOD hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON. He that hath the SON hath life; and he that hath not the SON of GOD hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the SON of GOD; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the SON of GOD. And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE heareth us: and if we know that HE hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of HIM. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. "

    What constitutes answered prayer ? Usually we thank the LORD for answered prayer when HE says  "Yes"  to a request. Of course, nothing is wrong with that - in fact, a lack of thankfulness is s serious matter (Romans 1:21). But it is easy to forget that GOD does not always answer "Yes" to our prayers. Sometimes GOD, in HIS infinite wisdom, will answer  "No,"  knowing that our request is not in accordance with HIS perfect will. At other times, HIS answer to a particular petition may be  "Wait a while." We must realize that GOD's denial of our requests ought not to shake our faith in HIM nor disappoint us. Why ? Because only GOD knows the future, and only HE can adequately distinguish between our needs and out wants. The LORD knows when we  "ask amiss" (James 4:3). We can always be sure that whether GOD says  "Yes," "No," or "Wait"  to our petition, HE has indeed answered our prayer; therefore, we should thank our loving FATHER for responding to our request according to HIS will. Keep in mind, though, that harbored sin will hinder our prayer from even being heard (Psalm 66:18).

     Our text today is crucial because it explains how a believer can have assurance of eternal life (vv.10-13) and gives the basis upon which the child of GOD can make his prayers with confidence (vv.14-15) -  "If we ask any thing according to HIS will."  But what about those times when we face complex problems and simply do not know how to pray regarding a certain situation ? Romans 8:26-27 promises the HOLY SPIRIT's help in praying according to the FATHER's will, for the SPIRIT intercedes accordingly. The LORD so wonderfully provides (Philippians 4:19) ! May we be thankful for answered prayer. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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