“And this is the confidence that we have in 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 as much love in that as when He says “yes”? It is 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, in our hands, would turn into sorrow and suffering, will our Father, out of His love, not deny us? Consider this: 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 do not understand.
Here is 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 begin to simply trust that He will take care of you—and He truly does! When you live as God commands, He takes care of every detail of your life. It is not just about receiving blessings, but about experiencing constant protection in all areas, knowing that God is in control, guiding every step you take.
And now the most incredible part: those who obey the powerful Law of God not only live under this protection but also carry an unshakable certainty that they will rise with Jesus to eternity. Nothing is more important than this! When you decide to obey, you no longer need to live worried about what to ask for or what to receive, because God takes care of everything. So, stop trying to control and start trusting. Live in obedience, surrender completely, and see how God transforms your life here and guarantees you eternity with Him. -Adapted from H. E. Manning. Until tomorrow, if the Lord permits.
Pray with me: Dear God, it is true that I often find myself thinking that Your love is only manifested when You say “yes” to my requests, without 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 sorrow 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 do not understand. Help me to trust that You know me better than I know myself and that every decision You make is driven 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, taking care of every detail of my life, guiding my steps and protecting me in all areas. I ask that You help me to live as 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 worship and praise You for promising not only to take care of me here, but also for giving me the unshakable certainty that I will rise with Jesus to 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.
