This chapter begins the final week of Jesus’ ministry. It includes the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the cursing of a fig tree, the cleansing of the temple, and another account of Jesus being challenged by religious leaders.
“And Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be taken up and thrown into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.’ ” (v22-25)
“Have faith”, “do not doubt”, “ask in prayer”, “believe in God’s provision”, and “forgive others”. These are some of Jesus’ critical teachings summarized in a few brief statements. Not only does Jesus remind His disciples of these things, He reminds us as well.
James echoes this theme of “asking without doubting” in Jas 1:5-8. We are told that if we lack anything, or long for something to be done, we can trust that God will answer our prayer if we fully trust in Him.
There is one catch however – when we pray out of full trust that God will do something, that something must be in alignment with His will / calling / promises. We can have full confidence that God will grant our prayer for that new Maserati we want, however, if it’s not in alignment with His will for our lives, He’s not going to give it to us (this rules out distorted teachings such as the “prosperity gospel” and “manifestation”).
Let’s first listen to God’s heart for us and those around us. By hearing what God wants to do in and through us, and then confidently praying that God will bring those things to pass, He will certainly fulfill those prayers (since they are His idea in the first place). Our obedience to God and His desired work will unlock amazing blessings in this life, and the next, as long as we “have faith, do not doubt, ask in prayer, and obey His commands.”
Father God, our Empowering and Benevolent Lord, You long to grant Your people blessings beyond their comprehension. May we partner with You in this, listening attentively for how You’re choosing to work in each moment, and then confidently pray in alignment with that. May we be Your humble and obedient servants, opening the doors for Your blessings to be poured out upon the people. May our obedience enable Your mighty works in this world that is in desperate need of Your presence. In the holy name of Jesus we ask this, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training