This Christmas season, let’s ask God for the gift of faith—that we may grasp the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe (Ephesians 1:19). We want to attain everything God has prepared for us—all for His glory. There is literally no end to the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
When we pray in faith, we hear His voice, know His will, and understand that we are in a good relationship with Him.
John was called the beloved disciple and enjoyed an intimate relationship with Jesus—so when he talks about prayer, we should pay close attention.
He writes in his first epistle: If our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence towards God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight (1 John 3:20-22). If our hearts condemn us, we have the promise of 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.
He goes on to say: Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, 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 the petitions that we have asked of Him (1 John 5:14-15).
John witnessed how Jesus demonstrates this principle at Lazarus’ tomb, recorded in John 11:40-44. Jesus asks Martha, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” is a transcendent glory that has power over sin, sickness, and death. It overcomes everything in the world and answers each human need.
Jesus lifts up His eyes and prays, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.” Then, because His will is so oriented to the Father’s will, He commands it: “Lazarus, come forth!” It’s a shout from His innermost being that Lazarus hears and obeys.
One final key is in Revelation 12:11, where John hears a voice in heaven telling of Satan’s downfall: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”
What we learn in our prayer closet becomes the word of our testimony—which overcomes with the blood of the Lamb.
Now more than ever, we need the gift of faith. And when we dwell in God’s love, declare our testimony, and proclaim His will, we will see the miraculous.
Scripture is taken from the NKJV. is teaching was given during a CBN staff chapel meeting.
