Merry Christmas! Today is December 25, 2024—a day to celebrate the fulfilled promise of John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." But there’s a condition in that verse: "Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." Getting our prayers answered comes with a caveat, too. Read on…
Today's Reading:
1 John 1,2,3,4,5
Scripture
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)
Observation
Often, we hesitate to act or ask because we fear failure. Yet, John reminds us in his epistle that if our actions and prayers are rooted in love—a love for God, His people, and what is best for both—we can ask boldly and without fear. However, there’s one condition: “If you remain in Me, and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).
Application
Does this mean I can ask whatever I wish—even wildly bold prayers? Yes! But let’s take a closer look at what Jesus means by “remaining in Him” or staying within His will.
Love’s permission works both ways. Here’s what I mean:
My love for God gives me the boldness to ask and act, but it also grants Him the authority to monitor my prayers and decisions—and, when necessary, to counter them. My love for God and His plans allows the Holy Spirit to say no if my request runs counter to His ultimate will. If fulfilling my prayer would diminish my eternal call or derail my life’s purpose, I willingly give the Holy Spirit full permission to veto or adjust my prayers to align with His plans.
Jesus modeled this perfectly in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prayed for one thing but ultimately surrendered His desires to the Father’s will. His love for God gave the Holy Spirit permission to redirect His prayer: “Nevertheless, not My will, but Thine be done.”
Prayer
Dear Father, I will pray boldly, and I will act boldly. Yet, I also surrender fully to the Holy Spirit, giving Him permission to rule over my plans, adjust my prayers, and revise my earthly goals whenever necessary. Love gives permission.
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