Jeremiah 59:1-2
Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, that he will not hear.
James 4:3
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
REFLECTION
In these unprecedented times it really easy to wonder where God is. Does it mean that he is unable to save us? With the various things that happen to us does God really care? These and many other questions are bound to run through our minds and hearts.
In our today’s theme verse, in Jeremiah 59:1, the Bible clearly indicates the reason for our unanswered prayers is our sinful nature.
From the book of James, we realize there are more reasons why our prayers are not answered.
James 1:5 -8 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
The Bible talks about faith in God as we ask, if we fail to ask in faith, it’s clear from the above passage that we will receive nothing from the Lord.
Apostle James doesn’t leave us there, he adds in James 4:3 and says, “we ask but we don’t receive because we ask with the wrong motives”, there are times we to please ourselves or to compete with others or make our friends jealous. This forms our next important questions: Why are you praying? Why do you need what you are asking from God?
We need to soul search even as we pray so that we are not left complaining and saying God is unable to answer us.
Are we doing things the biblical way? Our God is and has always been able.
PRAYER
Oh Lord God almighty, I want to thank you for your word and for making me understand that I should pray in faith. I repent any sin that is keeping you from hearing my prayers. Forgive my omissions and commissions, those that I did knowingly and those I did unknowingly. Teach me to fear you and to walk in your ways. This I pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
REPENTANCE PRAYER
(Say this prayer if you have never said it)
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge I am a sinner in need of your deliverance. I believe you died on the cross for my sake. I repent my sins and welcome you into my heart; cleanse me with your blood and forgive my sins. I acknowledge you as my Lord and savior. Teach me to fear you and to walk in the knowledge of you. This I pray and believe, Amen.
Note: If you have prayed the second prayer, you have given your life to Jesus and you are now born again. Get in touch through the contact us section of this website and we will guide you from there.
God bless you, Shalom Shalom!!!
Rev. Hadassah
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