“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
As John begins to concludes his letter to these early churches he does so with the reminder that reliance upon God is a good thing.
First, he writes these words to those “who believe in the name of the Son of God,” and secondly ”that you may know that you have eternal life.” And once that foundation is set, that relationship is established, then we have “confidence…in approaching God” in this way — “if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”
People often initially take this way out of context. They ask, “You mean I can ask God for anything and he will do it for me?” Sounds nice doesn’t it? This imposes our will on God, we get what we want, “self” rules the day. But The caveat is this — asking anything according to “his” will.
It’s not our will that drives us anymore now that we are in a saving relationship with him. It is his will. So the trick is, to ask for things in his will, for his glory and his gain. How do we do this? How do we know what to ask? By knowing the mind of God and walking in his steps, we will know his will also. His will to love all people, his will to bless his children, his will to save the world.
Even when we ask for material things, if it is according to his will and in line with is purposes, he may grant it. Even when asking for success in life, work, school or relationships — again, if it’s to bring him honor, praise and worth — then he will grant it.
And lastly, John concludes by saying in v.15, “And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” God hears us. And it we are in a right relationship with him, asking according to his will, then what we have is what we asked him of him. So look at your blessings, your family, your wealth (which is relative by the way) and know that all good things you have are from him, if you asked according to his will.
God is our father and wants to bless his children. Jesus speaks about this in Matthew 7.9, “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?” Or Luke 11.11,13 – “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?” “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
“O Lord God, you are faithful. The goodness of God flows right through my life. The blessings, both materially and spiritual, relationally and emotionally, are from you. I know I haven’t always asked according to your will but when I have you have blessed me accordingly. Thank you Jesus for loving me. For your principles are true and your Word is faithful. I love you Lord and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen