Knowing God’s Promises

Knowing God’s Promises

Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you (V.7)

John 15:5-8

Reading

My friend’s brother (when they were both children) told her that umbrellas were just like parachutes. If she jumped with one in her hand, she’d float down to the ground. All she had to do was “believe”. So ‘by faith’ she jumped off a barn roof and knocked herself out, suffering a minor concussion. 

What God has promised, He will do. But we must be sure we know what those promises are in the Bible. Faith, or trusting God, has no power in itself. It only counts when it’s based on what God has actually said, not what we think He might or should say. That just comes down to wishful thinking. 

Here’s an example of what God has promised us: “Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit” (JOHN 15:7-8). These verses are not a promise that God will answer every prayer we make, but rather a promise that He will help us in our journey to become more like Jesus and “bear much fruit”. This fruit is listed in Galatians as “love, joy, peace, [patience], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (5:22-23). 

If we want to be like Jesus and ask God to help us, He will begin to change us. It will take time; for spiritual growth, like physical growth, is sometimes slow. Don’t give up. Keep asking God to make you like Him. In His time and at His pace “it will be done for you” (JOHN 15:7). God doesn’t make promises He won’t keep. 

What I’m Thankful for

Father, thank You for Your many promises to us in the Bible. And thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to help us live like Jesus.

WE HAVE A PROMISE-KEEPING GOD.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries