This verse. So many have misunderstood and misused it. I know as a young believer I did.
“And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.” (1 John 3:22)
For a long time, I thought if I just do what God says, things would go my way. I’d have the easy life. 😎
Now, I wasn’t asking for a yacht, just reasonable good things like happy kids and good health.
I thought it would go something like this- I would obey, I would ask, He’d give, all the way to Heaven.
Except that’s not how it goes in this world. 😳
Jesus was very clear, that, in this world, His children, even those trying really hard to be good, would have trouble. (John 16:33)
Real trouble.
Trouble that looks and feels hard.
So we know, John isn’t preaching some “Name it and Claim it” prosperity gospel here (1 John 3:22).
As we study scripture, we should always compare the Word with the Word. This how we dig deep and take in the whole counsel of God’s Word to better understand what God is saying and not read verses in ways they weren’t intended.
We should also test everything we hear others say, including yours truly.
So what does John mean when he says, “And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.”? (1 John 3:22)
For insight, let’s look to what John wrote in John 15:7 – “ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
I consulted the Enduring Word app and it talks about fellowship, this abiding with God, being the key to answered prayer.
As I abide and spend time with God in His Word, I begin to see things as He sees them. I begin to ask with eternal things in mind. I begin to understand that hard times, even hard things those I love may face, can be instruments in God’s Hand to bring a greater good and give them a sweeter walk with Him.
As I keep this in mind, as I fellowship with my Lord and trust His good heart, I pray and react to life differently.
Is it easy?
Nope.
My flesh is still drawn to “easy” like a fly to a picnic.
Most all of us look for the closest parking spot. We do the same thing with life as we circle around trying to “park” our lives in the good and easy spots.
But the more I walk with the Lord, the more my spirit longs for the eternal good, and prays for it EVEN if that means some hard roads.
And y’all there’s some peace to be had there. Good, solid, withstand the storms, keep-going peace!
What a Savior! #read1John
I’d so appreciate your prayers! To God be all the glory! ❤️
Kim Jaggers Ministry 