“And this is the confidence we have toward Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14).
Did you know that when God says “no” to something we ask for, there is just as much love in that as when He says “yes”? It’s easy to think that love is only about giving us what we want, but true love also withholds what would harm us. If, in our blindness, we ask for things that would turn into sadness and suffering in our hands, wouldn’t our Father, out of His love, refuse us? Think about it: the same love that gives the good also holds back the bad. God knows us better than we know ourselves, and He always acts for our good, even when we don’t understand.
Here’s what happens when you reach a deep intimacy with God through a life of obedience to His Word: everything changes. You stop asking for “this or that” and simply start trusting that He will take care of you—and He truly does! When you live the way God commands, He takes care of every detail of your life. It’s not just about receiving blessings, but about experiencing constant protection in every area, knowing that God is in control, guiding your every step.
And now the most amazing part: those who obey God’s powerful Law not only live under this protection, but also carry an unshakable certainty that they will rise with Jesus for eternity. There is nothing more important than this! When you decide to obey, you no longer need to worry about what to ask or what to receive, because God takes care of everything. So, stop trying to control and start trusting. Live in obedience, surrender yourself completely, and see how God transforms your life here and guarantees you eternity with Him. –Adapted from H. E. Manning. See you tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Dear God, it’s true that I often find myself thinking that Your love is shown only when You say “yes” to my requests, not realizing that there is as much love in Your “no” as in Your “yes.” I confess that, many times, in my blindness, I ask for things that could bring me sadness and suffering, but today I recognize that, out of Your love, You withhold what would harm me, always acting for my good, even when I don’t understand. Help me to trust that You know me better than I know myself and that every decision You make is moved by love and care.
My Father, today I ask You to give me an obedient and trusting heart, so that I may reach a deep intimacy with You, living according to Your Word and stopping to ask for “this or that.” Teach me to simply trust that You will take care of me, watching over every detail of my life, guiding my steps and protecting me in every area. I ask that You help me to live the way You command, so that I may experience Your constant protection and the peace of knowing that You are in control of everything.
Oh, Most Holy God, I adore and praise You for promising not only to care for me here, but also for giving me the unshakable certainty that I will rise with Jesus for eternity, reserved for those who obey Your will. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your powerful Law is the shield that keeps me safe, a steady light that illuminates my path. Your commandments are chains of love that bind me to You, a hymn of trust that echoes in my soul. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
