And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” 1 John 5:14-15.

Confidence can be defined as the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something, or has firm trust in someone or something. This is the firm belief and trust that every born-again believer has in the Lord; it is without any shadow of doubt that we understand that with God nothing is impossible, but when it comes to bringing our heartfelt petitions before the Lord, in search of needs and desires, we often question whether He will give us what we ask for.

Some believe in a name-it-and-claim-it mentality—thinking of God as a genie who grants every wish. However, the word of God provides encouragement and clarity in 1 John 5:14-15: “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

Let us take a good look at the word of God in 1 John 5:14-15. First and foremost, it states that our confidence is in God…He is tried, proven, and true, my friends. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” Numbers 23:19. We can rest in the assurance that He has promised to provide all that we need– “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.

This is wonderful assurance, knowing that He will provide all that we need. But, we must come before His throne of grace and ask, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6-7.

Then the scripture encourages us: if we ask anything according to His will—this is so important, my friends, not our will, but His—He hears us. Take heart and praise God, for if He hears us, we have the petitions we have desired of Him. When our wills align with God’s will, we can be confident He will give us all we ask in due time—that is, His time!

It is comforting to know we can come boldly before God. We can ask, seek, and trust that He hears our every cry. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16. Our Heavenly Father loves us. We can boldly ask Him for the desires of our hearts. “Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

Whatever petitions you bring before the Lord today, be encouraged—He loves you and will provide all that you need. Approach His throne humbly and with an open heart, trusting that His perfect will is always best. You can be sure that He hears you and will answer according to His will: “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3.

Blessings and peace to you. God is faithful, my friends! Trust Him and let Him have His way!