Jesus said, "ask for whatever you want & it will be done for you" (John 15:7).
See, there you go. Tapos na ang boksing! The verse gives a clear promise that God will give you whatever you ask.
What are you waiting for? Ask God & it will be done for you. Ask God, now na!
Ask for anything or everything.
Ask for a spouse or a brand new house.
Ask for expensive cars or maybe a lot of gold bars.
Ask for a dream vacation or that long delayed promotion.
Is John 15:7 the magic key that allows you access to all your wants?
Let’s understand the context of what Jesus said. What was He telling his audience at that time? What does this verse mean for us today?
First, let’s read the full verse of John 15:7, "If you remain in me & my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want & it will be done for you.” The verse has a specific requirement. Before you ask God, remain in Jesus & let His words remain in you. You do your part first then God does His.
Secondly, you need to read the full lesson that includes John 15:7. This verse is part of John 15:1-17 which is about The Vine & the Branches which is about the disciple's love relationship with Jesus. It’s about remaining in Jesus. In other versions the phrase “abide in me” is used. To abide means to stay, "to dwell in” or "to continue in a particular condition, attitude or relationship”. This Scripture speaks about living in full obedience to Jesus so that you "will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). It's about discipleship. To remain in Jesus is to follow all His commandments. As John 15:10 says, "If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments & remain in his love”. That means you don’t pick only the commandments that appeal to you.
Do you follow God only because God loves you as what 1 John 4:19 says?
Do you follow God only because God forgives you as 1 John 1:9 assures?
Do you follow God only because God is fair when He judges you like what Psalms 25:8 says?
Following God means following EVERYTHING that Jesus says. That includes Matthew 16:24 which says, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, & follow me”
If John 15:1-17 is all about remaining in Jesus, then what kind of prayers are guaranteed by John 15:7?
The verse John 15:7 assures the outcome of the prayer of a true disciple of Jesus. If you remain in Jesus then your desires & wants will change. The premise of John 15:7 is that your prayers are not about your selfish wants but God's wants. A true disciple’s prayer is in synch with God’s will. Thus, if you're praying for something that God also desires then you can be assured that you can "ask for whatever you want & it will be done for you” (John 15:7).
John 15:7 isn’t about always GETTING WHAT YOU WANT. It’s about ALWAYS GETTING WHAT YOU WANT BECAUSE THE ONLY THING YOU WANT IS WHAT GOD WANTS.
Jesus teaches us how to pray in Matthew 6:9-10.
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be YOUR name. YOUR kingdom come, YOUR will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
The word “YOUR” is used several times. Prayer is about transforming our desires to follow God’s will. It’s not about changing the mind of God but about changing our mind to follow God’s mind.
Thirdly, does that mean you cannot pray for things that you need?
Of course not. God is our Father & He will provide for our needs. St. Paul preaches in Philippians 4:19, "My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus”. God will not only provide what you need He also "knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8).
So, did God promise to give us whatever we want?
NOPE. God is not a genie who grants you whatever you want. A genie will grant your wishes out of obligation. God freely gives us His only begotten Son to save us OUT OF LOVE.
Seek God's will always. Align your prayers to His wants. Allow your heart to be like His heart.
God always wants what’s best for you because Our Father knows BEST! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com
#shareaboutJesus
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