Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
‘Must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ From Psalms 67:2 we have two reasons for answered prayer: That God’s way may be known upon earth and His saving health may be known among all nations.
Psalms 102:17 gives us another two facts about prayer: God will hear the prayer of the destitute and He will not despise their prayers.
John 16:24 states that we must ask and will receive so that our joy may be full. The purpose of answering prayer is to help us and to confirm the infinite Fatherhood of God (Matt. 7:11; Luke 11:9-13; Jas. 1:17), so do not hesitate to ask – and thank Him (Php. 4:6) – for any material, physical, or spiritual blessing, for no good thing will He withhold from you (Ps. 23:1; 34:9-10; 84:11; 91:1-12; Matt. 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12-15).
From Matthew 7:7-11 we are commanded to ask, seek and knock – five times. The idea here is to demand something due to one because of family and redemptive rights. It is God’s will that we ask and get what we want (Ps. 23:1; 34:9-10; 84:11; Mark 11:24; John 15:7, 16). Seeking must be with the whole heart (Deut. 4:29; 2Chron. 7:14; 11:16; 15:2; Pro. 8:17; Luke 15:8; Col. 3:1; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8; 1Pet. 3:11). The third way of getting an answer to prayer (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-18). To ask implies want; seeking implies loss; and knocking implies need. One must ask with confidence and humility, seek with care and application, and knock with earnestness and perseverance (Luke 11:4-8).
Everyone that asks will receive, that seek will find and who knocks shall be opened (Matt. 7:8). No exception to the rule for anyone. If there is it is because of the failure to ask in faith, nothing wavering (Jas. 1:5-8), to seek diligently (Heb. 11:6), and to knock with importunity (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8).
To be continued…
Living the Word 