A: The Bible tells us God is Love. And in page after page, we see the countless demonstrations of His great love. We read of His compassion and promises, and we see His willingness to use awesome power on behalf of His people. God is faithful—to His people, and to His Word.
There are times, however, when we as the very chosen of God tend to rely on our five physical senses to decide whether He is really “out there” and whether He is hearing and answering our prayers. Once we pray our prayers, all too often it’s easy to look around for physical evidence and then believe for what we prayed.
In effect, when we do that, it’s like trying to see with our ears or hear with our noses. We must determine even before we pray that any physical evidence contrary to what we pray will not sway us into doubt and unbelief. We need to realise that the evidence—God’s Word—upon which our faith rests is far more reliable than what we can see. Regardless of physical evidence, the Word is perfect!
That’s the truth of the matter, but sometimes it does help to have some practical guidelines to keep us within the bounds of truth. So, the following seven steps are suggested as guidelines to help you in your determined walk of faith when it comes to your prayers and how to wait in faith for them to be answered.
1. Pray the Answer—God’s Word
1 John 3:22, 5:14-15; John 15:7; Romans 12:2
Prayer that brings results must be based on God’s Word. We should start with the answers to our prayers—the Word. Jesus said, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7). The Bible contains over 7,000 promises—promises which include wealth and wisdom, health and success. Finding the specific promises that apply to your situation is well worth the effort. Several are listed at the end of this article.
2. Apply Faith
James 2:14-24, 3:11-17; Romans 3:4; Hebrews 4:11-16
Start your confession of faith before you see the manifestation of answers to your prayers. Believe you receive when you pray. Hold fast to your confession by acting as though it were already done. To be afraid to confess or act before you have it is to doubt God’s Word.
3. Refuse Doubt and Fear
2 Corinthians 10:5
Refuse to allow doubt and fear to enter your consciousness. Satan will tell you that your answers are not coming. But take those whispers of doubt captive. You have the right and power to demolish every argument that comes against the knowledge of God’s Word.
So control your mind with the Word and dwell on the answer instead of the problem.
4. See Yourself Successful
Proverbs 4:20-24; Matthew 6:22-23, 13:15-16; Romans 13:14
See yourself through the Word—as a success, not a failure.
5. Testify
Revelation 12:11
Testify of what you believe. Testify of the Word. Add your testimony to what you have received by the blood—your redemption. You have the rights to all that Jesus did.
6. Operate in God’s Love
Galatians 5:6; 1 John 4:12
Faith works when we operate in the love of God. Get involved in helping someone. As you adhere to the message of God’s love, His love will flow from you to others.
7. Be a Giver
Luke 6:38; James 5:16; Mark 4:14-29; Acts 20:35
Get on the giving end. If you need healing, give the message of healing to someone else. If you need money, give money. It’s God’s law—you will reap what you sow. The way you measure out is the way it will be measured back to you.
God’s Greatest Guarantees
Need some help finding scriptures that cover your need? Here are a few to get you started.
Promises for your unsaved loved ones:
Luke 5:32, 19:10; John 3:3, 17; Acts 11:14, 16:31; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 7:13-16; 1 Peter 3:1-2; 2 Peter 3:9
Promises for your children:
Psalm 8:2, 91:11-12, 127:3-5; Proverbs 3:1-4, 22:6; Isaiah 44:3, 49:25, 54:13; Colossians 3:20; 2 Timothy 3:15
Promises for prosperity:
Psalm 23:1, 34:10, 37:25; Matthew 6:31-33; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Philippians 4:19; 3 John 2
Promises for your marriage:
Genesis 2:18, 24; Psalm 101:2; Proverbs 10:12; Joshua 24:15; Romans 13:10; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; Ephesians 4:31-32, 5:21-33; 1 Peter 3:1-11; 1 John 4:15-21
Promises for healing:
Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3, 107:20; Proverbs 4:20-22; Isaiah 53:5; Jeremiah 17:14, 30:17; Malachi 4:2; Matthew 8:8, 9:35; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 6:19; Hebrews 13:8; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24; 3 John 2
Promises for peace of mind:
Psalm 37:11, 119:165; Isaiah 26:3, 12, 55:12; John 14:27; Romans 5:1, 8:6, 14:17-19, 15:13; Philippians 4:6-7
