Have you ever sometimes felt like asking God for just a little so that you don’t get disappointed? Ever felt like you shouldn’t be asking God for much so you’re not seen as greedy? 🤥😒
This is unfortunately the case with many Christians. It’s usually easy to say “believe God for the impossible” but because we can’t see God physically and can’t bear the thought of dealing with seeming uncertainty, we often remain at our level and keep asking for just enough to get by. Is this Biblical?
This “poverty mentality” with God does not tally with what the Bible teaches. It also does a big disservice to the work God wants to do through His children on this earth. God wants to be glorified through us and without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please Him! 🗣
God is able to do super abundantly more than all we can dare to ask, think, dream or even imagine (Eph 3:20). The Bible says that we should come to His throne of grace (i.e. unmerited favor) with boldness and without fear (Heb 4:16). The earth is the Lord’s and its fullness thereof (Ps 24:1). Ask in faith, nothing wavering. For if you waver, you’re like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. If this is you, do not think that you will receive any thing of the Lord. (James 1:6-7)
Let’s not be mistaken, our hearts and intentions for what we are asking for will most often be tested. Why are you asking for it and what do you intend to do with the blessings you’re asking for? Are you living in sin, unforgiveness, mistreating your husband/wife? Are your intentions in line with what the Bible requires i.e. ready to do good, rich in good works, generous, willing to share, contributing to the House of God (1 Tim 6:17-19; Haggai 1:9-11)? Is there already evidence of you doing these things with what you currently have, no matter how little? Will the granting of your request glorify God? 🤔
If you step up to God, the King of Kings, with just a cup, He can fill the cup and give you some more. If you step up with a warehouse container, God can fill it and give you some more. Get this! Heaven is so excited when we step up boldly in faith. That faith is then tested to see what is really in our hearts and if we pass the test and still believe, we receive the blessing at the appointed time, if God wills it.
Our faith must be backed up by our works as that is the real evidence that we truly have faith. Praying alone and saying we have faith isn’t sufficient. We must do all in our capacity to bring what we ask for to pass and the power of God will work most perfectly in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9). Prov 16:9 says that as we plan our way, God directs our steps. Philippians 2:13 says that it is God who causes us to will and to do (i.e. strengthening, energizing and creating in us the ability to fulfil our purpose) for His good pleasure. This He does for His children, those who have a genuine daily relationship with Him as with a friend.💡💡💡
The story of Elisha and the prophet’s wife with her vessels of oil in 2 Kings 4:1-7 perfectly illustrates the significance of coming to God boldly in faith and how the size of our faith, when genuine and backed by works, causes heaven to move on our behalf. As many vessels as she was able to find were filled through the pouring of that tiny jar of oil! But first, her faith was tested when Elisha asked her to give of all that she had left. 🙌🏾
Whatever happens in our walk with God, whether He says yes, wait or no, we should have confidence knowing that everything is working together for our good because we love God and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28). “The man who thinks that “perhaps” God will hear his prayer, thinks that “perhaps” he will not; such an one cannot ask in faith, nothing wavering, and consequently cannot receive anything. The only way to come is to come boldly. The violent take the kingdom of heaven by force. (Matt 11:12) God is pleased to have us come to him with confidence, because it shows that we believe what he says; and his own glory depends on the fulfillment of his promises.” (Ellet Joseph Waggoner) 🙏🏾🙅🏾♂️
The Langford Files 