October 15th - Prayer Does Not Change God's Will for Us

Biblical FAITH is not a commodity that we trade to God for stuff we ask for in prayer. Biblical faith is a lifestyle of confident dependence on the promises of God expressed in His Word. The writer of Hebrews defined it as follows…

“Now faith is an assumption of what is being expected, a conviction concerning matters which are not being observed.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Bible study should be to determine what God has promised, and have FAITH in those promises. 

Some of the promises of God are negative such as…

"It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22)

But beyond those troubles rests the promise of Jesus himself…

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me...I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 14:22)

My prayers and faith are important to me, and I pray about many things. And, in those prayers, I give the cares and worries of life TO GOD so I can find peace and get some sleep…

“Don't worry about anything Robert; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you think you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your heart and mind so just keep trying to live the best you can.” (Robert’s Own Paraphrase of Philippians 4:6-7)

As grow nearer the time for Jesus to return, troubles in the world will increase, So be prepared the best you can and cast your troubles ON HIM - He cares about you!

"Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

As we watch the events transpiring in our world, keep the faith...

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)