when you pray expect an answer…

james 4.2 (niv), you do not have because you do not ask GOD. twenty times in the new testament it says, ask, and it shall be given.  the word in the greek literally means, “keep on asking, be persistent, be continual.”

admit, ask and then anticipate.  expect an answer in faith.  you anticipate an answer.  james 1.5-6 (tev), if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to GOD, who will give it to you; because GOD gives generously and graciously to all. but when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all.

if you want wisdom – first you’ve got to ask the right person, then you’ve got to ask the right way – in faith, believing, not doubting.  that means the key to wisdom is prayer, the condition is faith.

have you ever prayed a prayer then later while talking to someone say, “i won’t get it”?  folks, you set yourself up.  GOD says,” if you can’t believe you’re going to get it, don’t even waste your time to pray for it.”  you must pray in faith, believing, thanking GOD in advance.  doubt is debilitating.  it hinders GOD from working in your life.

remember peter?  peter is in the boat one day and JESUS comes walking on the water and peter jumps out and starts walking toward the LORD.  listen if you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat.  it doesn’t require faith to stay in the boat.  you’ve got to risk in faith and GOD will take care of you.

he starts walking on the water.  he’s got his eyes on the LORD but all of the sudden he looks down and thinks, “i’m not suppose to be able to do this.”  and instantly he started to sink.  the moment you get your eyes off the LORD and onto circumstance, you’re dead.

just a thought from the front porch…