If It Is Your Will

Have you ever been wondered what the words of 1 John 5:15 really mean?

In it, John states, “And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him” ‬‬(NIV).

That seems pretty clear right? We ask — He grants.

Well, not exactly. In order to truly understand what is being said here, we must examine the context of this verse explore what the surrounding verses say in order to expound on this particular promise.

A Contextual Look at 1 John 5:15

In verse 14 we find the most important detail, which is often left out: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”It is so important for us to ask because our Heavenly Father wants us to bring our requests to Him, but it is most important for us to ask Him to align our will and our desires with His. Hence, the words, "according to His will."

Partner Verse: James 4:2-3

James 4:2b-3 pairs well with 1 John 5:15. Let's take a look at it:

‭”…You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (NIV).

Here, James was addressing believers who were having behavior problems with each other, looking out for only themselves, even in their prayers.

I can't help but wonder how often have my prayers have looked the same way. Perhaps you feel the same.

If It Is Your Will

Sure, we ask God for our requests, but what is our true motivation? Is it for our own gain or is it to further His kingdom and Gospel; to bring glory to God in all we do?

My prayer lately has been a difficult one but one that humbles me and focuses my heart on what matters most. It invites the Holy Spirit to work His will in every area of my life.

“Lord, if this request or desire is Your will, please grant it. But if it is not, please align my will and desires with Yours. My greatest desire is to bring You glory and to advance Your Gospel and not my own name. In Jesus name, Amen.”

‭‭Sister, go before your Heavenly Father in prayer. Ask Him to grant your desires — if they are in His will — and pray that your desires will bring Him glory. For your Father sees and hears you.

Continued Encouragement

Did you enjoy “If It Is Your Will"?  Find more encouragement from Deb here!Want more? Check out The Daughter of Delight Podcast here! 

Author of, "If It Is Your Will"Deborah Simpson

Deborah is a 38-year-old mother of two teenage daughters and a son that has passed on to be with the Lord. She has seen the Lord uphold her and sustain her through every season of life and can attest that He is near to the brokenhearted and binds their wounds. Deborah is passionate about sharing about God’s never-ending faithfulness, our living hope that we have in Jesus, and the importance of truth to combat the lies of the devil.

Deborah currently lives in Miami but was born in Jamaica, she enjoys going to the beach and all things coconut. She would love to travel the world sharing the Gospel and marveling at the wondrous creativity and beauty of our Lord showcased in His creation.

You can find her on Instagram here and more about her journey and writings here.