Wanting What He Wants
by Darla Noble
1 John 5:14-15
This is the boldness which we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. And if we know that he listens to us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.
How many times have you heard someone say the Bible can’t be true because of this verse (and others like it)?
They say this because God doesn’t answer their prayers to heal a loved one, or because He doesn’t just make their credit card debt disappear.
That’s not what this is about, though. God isn’t a genie in a lamp or Santa Claus.
This verse is not about a divine parent giving us whatever we want. Instead, it’s about teaching us to want for ourselves what He wants for us. It’s about being who He created us to be. When that happens, we get what we ask, because we ask from a heart and mind like God’s.
Think about it like this: As parents, we don’t give our kids everything they ask for. We only give them those things that will be both safe and fun for them. We give our children gifts that are good for them.
That’s what God does, too.
John wasn’t talking to unbelievers or lukewarm Christians when he said these things. He was talking to Christians striving to live obedient lives. I pray he was talking to both you and me.
Reflection
When is the last time I really thought about what God wants for my life? How does thinking like this affect what I pray for?
Prayer
Dear God, Please help me see myself through Your eyes and think of my life in terms of what You want for me. May I always pray in accordance with Your will. Thank You for wanting only the best for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
