John 14:12-14 (NKJV) The Answered Prayer
12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
Jesus is telling His disciples that they would be able to do more things than Jesus Himself had done. Really? He tells them he is returning to His Father. And the most amazing thing He says is that He will do whatever they ask in His name! Are you kidding me? Jesus will give me whatever I want? Well, not exactly.
You see, Jesus is not a cosmic vending machine. He is not there to give you whatever you want. There are some criteria. You have to ask something in His name. What does that mean? To be in His name means to be in His will. To do that, you must know His will and that takes being in His word and listening for His Holy Spirit.
Pastor Anne Havrilla said “If we only come to Jesus to fulfill a felt need, once we receive that need, we have no more need for God.” I personally need God always. There is a place in my heart that only He can fill. What is the focus of your needs? Are you most concerned about the things you need or are you considering the needs of the community around you? The Bible says “Seek Ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” Zig Ziglar said “You can have everything you want in life by helping enough people get what they want!” So your focus is to be on others, especially God! When we decide for ourselves, we do it in our own power. We are easing God out (ego). When we open up to what God wants for us, He will lead us in the best way for us. So do you just want to talk with Him when you want something or would it be best to have conversation about all the things that come up in your life? He loves you! He created the universe to support you. Remember to accessorize by wearing Christ! Be in Him. He has a great destiny for you. Ask Him to lead you there.
Thank You Lord that You are always there for us. Thank You that you will lead us in Your ways which will bless us more than we can ask or imagine. You said You would do whatever we ask in Your name. By Your Spirit, lead us to ask for the things You want for us. In Your name we pray!