Why can we have expectations from God?
When we come to God in prayer, there is a reason that we, as believers of Christ, can expect answers and fulfillment. We can expect and communicate with God because we have a relationship with Him. Christ’s work on the cross allowed us to enter an intimate relationship with God, not just Creator and created, but Father and child (Gal 3:26).
Our comfort and ability to communicate with God are based on our relationship with Him. Do we see Him as Abba Father (1 Cor 8:6)? Do we see Him as our friend (John 15:13-15)? Do we accept Him as a Comforter (2 Cor 1:3-4) and Savior? Do we trust that He is God (Ps 33:4 & Ps 89:2), the Creator (Rev 4:11) of all on whom we can depend (Isa 41:13)? How we see and perceive Him impacts how we talk and interact with Him.
God cares about how we view Him, and we know this because He takes the time to describe and reveals Himself to us in His Word through His Spirit (1 Cor 2:10-12). He lets us know through His Word what we can expect of Him. He tells us Who He is, What He wants, and How He operates. He is constantly revealing Himself to His children and the world. God wants us to know Him because He wants to be in a relationship with us.
God wants us to involve Him in moments of our lives. He wants to be involved in each moment, decision, relationship, and situation, not as domineering over Lord who wants to control every stitch. But as a Loving father, friend, sibling, and partner that supports, encourages, helps, and experiences the highs and lows of life with us.
We can talk to God and come to His throne of grace boldly because we are in a relationship with Him. Our communication with Him does not fall on deaf ears; he wants to hear from us and tells us to talk to Him without ceasing (1 Thess 5:16-18). We can be confident that He hears us (Heb 4:16). It takes trust to be secure in our relationship and communication with Him. God let us know the importance of faith in our relationship with Him. How can we expect anything from Him if we do not believe He is a God that stands by His word and blesses those who seek a relationship with Him (Heb 11:6, Num 23:19). Like any other relationship, trust and faith are paramount as you work to connect with God. James 4:8 tells us to come close to God, and He will come closer to us. Gaining intimacy with God takes effort and change on our part after James tells us to come closer to God and instructs us that we must wash ourselves of our sins (repent) and purify our hearts (stop seeking after worldly things).
As we pray and expect God’s replies, we must trust He hears, cares, and desires to communicate with us. As Christians who have accepted God's love and believe in the work of His Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrections, we do not have to wonder if God is listening because He not only tells us to pray, He tells us he responds to our prayers.
Share your prayer request with us at avis@asparkministries.com or dm @asparkmin on FB or Instagram .
We want to agree in prayer with you about what God has for you this year. #2022Benediction #WePray #TogetherwePray
There is no intermission,
but, baby, that's the breaks,
no drunk time and no fishin'
for this is what it takes,
"Two six!", and shoulder 'gainst the wheel,
all together, let us heave,
for it's strife is all that's real,
let each man-Jack believe
the vital gift of his own part,
for none of this is done alone;
let each shy and doubting heart
commit now to atone
and work the Lord's most holy will
with all his strength, with all his skill.