PRAYING, BELIEVING AND TRUSTING


First we must believe we have been heard, then we must trust God wholeheartedly in the answer, which includes the timing of the remedy. In this process, the Holy Spirit is calling us to pray, believe and trust corporately and privately too. 

Jesus had approached Lazarus' tomb four days after Lazarus had died. After counseling and comforting Mary and Martha, Jesus had the stone from in front of Lazarus' tomb rolled away. Then Jesus prayed out-loud because Scripture says "Jesus...said".
  • So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” (John 11:41-42)
I believe this is the perfect example for us. Jesus gave gratitude for not only Father God's omni-presence, but personal attention to His request/petition - 
Father, I thank you that you have heard me. Then Jesus gave acknowledgement to Father God's perfect track record of perfect hearing and perfect listening skills - I knew that you always hear me,. However, Jesus gets to the heart of His prayer when He states - paraphrased - the words I have shared here and the actions I have done and will do are "for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

Jesus prayed verbally, believed publicly and trusted Father God wholeheartedly. The result - Lazarus was resurrected. When we as believers gather in church and pray for each other, this is the way I believe our words, mindset and faith should be also. However, this also should bleed over into our personal or non-corporate times with The Holy Spirit. When you are spending personal, quality time with Him - remember God has heard you, He has always heard you and will answer you. His answer for you may even be a miracle that encourages others and points to God's power and compassion. 

Even before our everyday needs like the consideration of our food, drink and clothing - Jesus said to pray, believe and trust in Him and His Kingdom of Provision first
  • "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)
Some of us don't even consult God and when we do, we have the wrong motives at heart. 
  • "You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." (James 4:2-3)
So, I encourage you to pray and believe with Godly motives at heart and know you have been heard, then trust God wholeheartedly with the answer.

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