06/12/2011 - HOW TO ASK FOR BLESSINGS

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But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

James 1:6

Asking for God’s blessings directly from Him is part of the secret to succeeding spiritually. However, those who use other sources – some kind of mediating method – rather than speaking directly to the One who has power and blesses those who approach Him, certainly miss out a lot.

The Most High does not withhold good things from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11b). Actually, if we, being evil, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will our heavenly Father do to those who ask Him! (Luke 11:13). So, whatever is not forbidden by the Word can be requested, provided it is done with faith.

By the way, we have to examine ourselves to see if we know what faith is and whether we have it or not. The religious men think that craving for something is the same as having faith, but that is not what the Word of God says. The Word states that faith is an assurance that is not produced by ourselves but that comes into our hearts by hearing what the Scriptures say (Romans 10:17). This conviction is an essential ingredient for our prayers to be answered. Furthermore, it is extremely important to have a sinless life and make a firm decision to seek and receive the blessings, besides having good reasons to ask for them. However, if it is not faith that is moving us, we will not be heard.

Those who walk by faith are the ones that please the Lord (Hebrews 11:6a). Those who devote themselves to charity are obviously doing a beautiful work, but it does not substitute the need to call on the Almighty and receive an answer from Him. In fact, nothing man does by himself – no testimony given to God, not even an offering that has not been inspired by the Holy Spirit – has any value in Heaven. Complete submission to what is revealed to us in accordance with the Scriptures is what counts. In other words, the Lord is the One who guides even the intentions of our heart. Those who follow His teachings obtain the faith that is necessary for them to receive an answer.

Once you have faith and pray, there can be no doubting. How can a person have faith and doubt at the same time? Well, as paradoxical as it might seem, that\’s what happened with Peter when he saw Jesus walking on water. As soon as the Master told him \”Come!\” he began walking on the water (Matthew 14:22-33). Now, what gave him that ability to walk on the sea was the fact that he acted by faith. But in a moment of weakness, he was tempted to doubt. When he looked at the waves and noticed the strength of the wind, the disciple became afraid then he hesitated and started to sink. He cried out for the Lord\’s help and obtained an answer, but Christ rebuked him, asking him why he had doubted.

James compares a person who doubts to the waves of the sea, which come and go but never get anywhere. My brethren, if you want your petitions to be heard, stand firm in your faith!

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares