"Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full" ~John 16:24~
This verse struck me yesterday. I often talk to close friends about what I need, what I desire most. But do I ask God for this need? In times past, I have prayed about it, but how fervently do I pray about it now? Did I give up asking?
Bro. Matt brought up these scriptures in the sermon yesterday:
"...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" ~Jam 5:12~
"Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day...And He said, 'Let Me go, for the day breaks.' But he said, 'I will not let You go unless You bless me!' And He said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.' And He blessed him there." ~from Gen 32:22-32~
Wow...Jacob wrestled with God all night. He would not let go until God blessed him. Have I let go? Have I let go without my blessing? Have I asked, but not asked in Jesus' name? Have I relied on the power of asking in my name alone?
Has all my asking been for selfish reasons and not for the reason of how God's ministry might be furthered through this blessing? That's where my heart's focus should be. I should storm the gates of heaven, crying out for the blessing that will add help to the kingdom's work. The blessing that will add holiness to my testimony. The blessing that will fuel the gospel in my life.
Father God, I come now, seeking Your face. I'm knocking-I'm banging on the doors of heaven. I pray for Your will to be done in the lives of all who are reading this. Line up our will with Yours. For each of us that stands in need, I pray for this blessing that our joy may be full, serving out Your called purpose in our life. I come boldly before Your throne to request it, expecting to receive it as You promised. God, I do not ask in my name, but in the name above all names...the name by which all men MUST be saved...In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen
