JESUS SPEAKING
“Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11: 22 – 24.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
‘Faith’ is defined as a strong belief or trust in God’s abilities. Only He can move mountains, heal the sick, and raise the dead. Jesus therefore urges every follower to pray with a measure of expectancy. We must truly believe that God is able to provide for each of our individual needs. When we ask in faith, according to God’s will, and do not doubt, we can rightly expect to receive the desires of our heart.
Hudson Taylor was a prominent missionary who lived in the 1800’s. He established the China Inland Mission, an organization that still exists to this day (also known as the OMF.) During his first journey to China, his ship hit a patch of windless ocean and began drifting uncontrollably toward an island known to be inhabited by vicious cannibals. The frantic captain approached Mr. Taylor and asked him to pray for God’s help. “I will” said Taylor, “Provided you set your sails to catch the breeze.” The captain refused; not wanting to appear silly for unfurling in a dead calm. Taylor responded by saying, “I will not undertake to pray for this vessel unless you will prepare the sails.” The captain reluctantly obliged. Soon there was a knock at Hudson’s door; “Who’s there?” “Are you still praying for wind,” inquired the captain? “Yes” responded Taylor. “Well” added the skipper, “you’d better stop praying, we have more wind than we can manage.”
As a genuine believer, Hudson Taylor understood the principle of praying with expectancy. He prayed with confidence; knowing full well that God would answer his prayers. If we pray with that same measure of faith, we too will receive the blessings of the Lord. May our hearts be devoid of doubt; may our requests be brave and bold; and may we fully expect our prayers to be answered according to the measure of our faith.
“Lord Heavenly Father, You are an amazing and mighty God. Create in us faithful hearts; hearts that are devoid of doubt; hearts that fully trust in Your ability to provide for our needs. May we always pray with confidence, unwavering faith, and genuine expectancy. We love You Father, we praise You, and thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 