1 John 5:13-14
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. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
As a young girl, I used to help my dad by doing simple jobs in his finish carpentry business. I always tried to do my best, but there were times I couldn’t quite master the level of expertise needed to produce the results my dad and his fellow experienced carpenters could produce. At those times, I knew I could go to dad for help. He also wanted the best outcome, so our goals were in alignment. I trusted in my dad to hear my request and try to meet my needs. Regardless of the ultimate outcome of the project, I was confident in my dad’s love.
This is the kind of confidence we Christ followers have in God. We know that, through faith and with repentant hearts, we receive help from the Holy Spirit in praying as commanded according to His will. We need to trust in God’s answer to our prayers, but we know He hears our prayers. We are confident in His love for us, and we know He is sanctifying us as we draw nearer to Him. Even when our words may not be eloquent, we can be assured the Holy Spirit helps our message to be heard. Our greatest confidence is in the promise of eternal life through our Savior.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your steadfast love for us. Help me to have the kind of trust in You that allows me to be confident in Your plans for my life and my family. Help me to pray according to Your will, and help me to accept Your answers. I trust You more each day as I grow closer to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.