Several weeks ago a man told me that he had been praying for something for years and that God had not answered his prayer. He went on to say that every time he asks God for the answer to his prayer, nothing seems to happen. He said, “I guess you just never know what to expect from God.”
Well, that statement may sound holy and humble, but let me say this. It’s wrong. You can know what to expect from God because He has told us exactly what He will do. Over and over again, God has told us through His Word, the Holy Bible, what He will do.
There should be no surprises when we pray. We have been given all the information needed. We have been told what to ask for and how to ask. God has provided all the instructions necessary for us to make the Word of God come alive and work in our daily lives.
For example, according to the Bible, when we pray, we must pray the will of God. First John 5:14 says, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” Then it goes on to say, “And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
So, we can see from this scripture that if we pray the will of God, He hears us. Likewise, the implication is that if we do not pray the will of God, then He does not hear us. And logic would dictate that if He does not hear a petition, then He cannot answer it.
Last week I met a man who had a kidney problem. He asked me to pray for his healing, and I did. After praying he looked at me and said, “I guess if God put this illness on me then He can take it away. I sure hope it’s His will to heal me. I’m tired of being sick.”
This man not only suffered from a kidney problem, but he suffered from poor teaching. And he’s not alone. Many good Christians believe that God makes them sick to teach them something. Then they turn around and ask Him to make them well. I guess maybe they’re just tired of learning.
We must know the will of God when we pray. But how can we know His will? The answer is through His Word. God’s Word, the Holy Bible, tells us the nature of God and what He wants for us.
If your problem is a health related problem, then you should know that Psalm 103:3 says that God is the One “Who heals all your diseases.”
If your problem is finances then you should know that in Isaiah 48:17 God said, “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go.”
Would God teach you to do something that was a sin? No, of course not. God does want his children to profit. He wants us to prosper.
If your problem is your children, then you should know that Proverbs 11:21 says, “The children of the righteous will be delivered.” It is God’s will that your children be set free.
So, when we pray, we must pray God’s will. And we find His will in His Word.
Remember, 1 John 5:14 says, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.