Trusting in God’s Promises: Ask, Believe, and Receive

As followers of Christ, we often find ourselves inspired and reassured by the promises found in Scripture. One of the most comforting passages is found in John 14:1, where Jesus tells His disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” Later, He offers an even more extraordinary promise in John 14:13-14:

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

These promises were meant to empower the disciples as they embarked on their mission to spread the Gospel. But what about us today? How can we hold onto this truth and live in the confidence that God hears and answers our prayers?

The Promise of Prayer

Whether you consider yourself a disciple of Jesus or a devoted follower, this truth applies to all: God invites us to ask in His name and trust that He will respond. Matthew 7:7 reminds us, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

But why do many of us struggle to fully embrace this promise?

Why Do We Struggle to Believe?

1. Avoiding Responsibility

The Holy Spirit often reveals that people are more comfortable believing in God’s works that require no action on their part. Trusting promises like “ask and you will receive” or “if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22) involves more than just belief—it requires active faith.

Praying with faith means partnering with God. It calls for confidence in His power and a willingness to align our desires with His will. However, this partnership requires responsibility, which many shy away from.

2. Struggling to Let Go of Control

Another major hurdle is our reluctance to relinquish control. Trusting God means surrendering the how and when of our answered prayers. Often, we ask but still want to dictate the outcome. We must remember that God is not our agent; He is sovereign.

Matthew 7:9-11 reminds us of His fatherly nature:
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

3. Misunderstanding God’s Nature

At the heart of our struggle is a misunderstanding of who God is. God is love, and His nature is to care for us as a perfect Father. When we ask in faith, God will either grant our request or provide something even better.

Our human perspective is often limited, but God sees the bigger picture. His delays and redirections are never rejections but rather acts of love. Trusting in His timing and will ensures that we receive not just what we want, but what we truly need.

Walking in Faith and Freedom

As children of God, we have access to His infinite power and love. When we pray in alignment with His will, we can trust Him to act on our behalf. Even when the answer doesn’t look like what we expected, we can rest in the assurance that God always works for our good.

Here’s how to walk confidently in this truth:

• Believe in His Promises: God cannot lie, and His Word is true.

• Surrender Control: Trust that His timing and ways are perfect.

• Understand His Nature: He is a loving Father who desires to bless His children.

• Embrace Your Identity in Christ: You are a child of God with access to His promises.

Final Thoughts

God invites us to ask, seek, and knock. As long as our prayers align with His will, we can trust that He will respond. Even when the answer doesn’t come in the way we anticipate, it will always be for our ultimate good.

Let’s believe in His Word, trust in His love, and walk boldly in the confidence that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. Be encouraged to ask, and leave the details to God.

God bless you!