He Hears Me (Hope in 350)

I drove up to my favorite drive-thru for a quick snack, (that I didn’t need) a while back. As I approached the menu board, the young lady said “Thank you for choosing ______, order when you’re ready.” I knew what I wanted and was already ready so I began speaking, “May I have a _____, with a _____ and a _______.” Silence. After a few seconds I said, “Hello?” The lady said again, “Thank you for choosing ________, order when you’re ready.” “Ok, I’m ready. I’d like a ______, with a _____ and a _____.” Silence. Again. Trying to keep the agitation from being present in my voice, I said “Can you hear me?”

I did eventually get my food after getting quite frustrated. But I began to think, many of us have become frustrated even before we pray because we are not sure that God hears us. Because of past sin, unfaithfulness, and insecurities, we may find it unimaginable that God actually hears us. 1 John 5:14-15 gives us a refreshing promise—This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him (NIV). The key is to ask according to His will. It is the Father’s pleasure to give you every kingdom promise (Luke 12:32). How then do we know His will? His will is found in His Word, and made clearer to us as we are transformed by that Word. Romans 12:2 tells us that we must resist conforming to the ways of the world and instead “push in” to God. Through time in the Word, in personal worship, and in fellowship we are transformed to be like Him, and to know His will and His ways. Then we will be able to discern what is and what is not His will, and more importantly what is His will for you!

Then pray! Pray with confidence, knowing that what you’ve prayed is in His will. Pray knowing that your Father hears you and because of His great love, you can have what you’ve asked.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we asked —we know that we have what we asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2