“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. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5.13-15
John writes to us, the believers then and now, to those who believe. Believe in what? To believe “in the NAME of the Son of God.” We are those who believe in the name of Jesus. We are the church, Christ-followers, and His disciples. John writes to us for a specific reason: so that we might have assurance of eternal life.
In addition, as believers with the assurance of eternal life, we are able to “ask anything according to His will, and He hears us.” Now, this is wonderful but also biased toward God—hear me out. We can ask whatever we want—if it aligns with His will for our lives. So, we ask according to His divine purposes and plan.
I can ask for a beach house, but it’s not necessarily in line with His will for my life. However, I can ask for a fullness of life and a fruitful ministry. I can ask that He enlarge my territory, my influence, and my range of impact for His glory—and He can and has answered that request.
Whatever I ask for must align with godliness, holiness, and a mission consistent with the gospel. My own desires, will, and selfishness have no place in the kingdom. Once I believe in Christ, His will should become mine.
Lastly, God hears our prayers. And if we ask according to His good purpose and pleasure, we will have whatever we ask of Him—because what we are asking is what He wants to do anyway.
It’s as if my will becomes so entwined with His that my asking reflects His heart for humanity. Although God has blessed my wife and me with abundance in every area of life, it is not for our benefit but for His glory. All the possessions, influence, position, and impact come from Him and are for Him.
Therefore, asking becomes agreeing. I no longer seek my own desires but His will for me. This all begins with gaining eternal life, which starts today with abundant living and extends forever, resulting in everlasting fellowship with my loving, perfect, and saving Creator.
“O Lord God, You are good and perfect. Your love is everlasting. Thank You for pouring out Your grace upon me and for allowing me to find strength in You alone. When difficulty comes my way, I can find redemption in Your arms. When I am weak, You are strong. Come now, Holy Spirit, keep me on Your path of righteousness all the days of my life, that I might dwell in the house of the Lord forever. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen