In today’s thoughts, we are to be aware of the hindrances listed below and how to avoid them, we will experience the joy of answered prayer.
Doubt and Unbelief: Doubt and unbelief keep man in a state of separation from God. Doubt comes from a lack of knowledge of God’s Word. Our minds must stay renewed, and God has given us a way to renew our minds, and that is through His Word. Yes, when man determines that it is God’s will on a thing, according to God’s Word (the Bible) and prays according to God’s Word, he can be sure God will move, show up, thus expelling the force of doubt. God’s Word MUST be the final authority in the matter. Yes, expect things to change when you pray, for God’s Word cannot and will not fail!
Lack of Knowledge of our right-standing with God: It is what God has actually done in and through Christ Jesus at Calvary, which makes one in right-standing with God. 2 Corinthians 5:21, For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (KJV). Here, we see that Jesus literally became our sin so we could become the righteousness of God. Righteousness is right-standing. When you are in right-standing with God, there is a confidence you experience without a sense of guilt, sin, or condemnation. Yes, knowing that you will receive when you ask in faith believing. All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God but when a person receives Jesus as Lord, he is placed in right-standing with God. He is made the righteousness of God by grace through faith. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17; this means that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!…begun! (Vs 20) “… Be reconciled to God! (Vs 21) For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
You may think you are the worst sinner the world has ever seen…but through the new-birth Jesus has made us the righteousness of God through Calvary and there is NO SIN that Satan could dream up big enough to change that! Again, let me say, as born-again believers, we have been made the righteousness of God in Christ. Yes, God’s was and is merciful…by His grace I am set free. When we take advantage of our right-standing relationship with God…then we will see the results we desire in prayer. As long you pray, believing, you will not be defeated.
3. Unawareness of our right to use the name of Jesus: John 16:23, And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you (KJV).
(We are given authority as a believer to use His name and go to our Heavenly Father, God) As a believer, when you go before the Father in Jesus’ name, you are standing before God as His child. Asking according to the promises of His Word, in faith believing, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that the Father may be glorified through His Son, Jesus. Yes, your prayer will be answered as a result.
Once you see that you are born of God, as stated in 1 John 5:1a, everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God….(KJV)… you have the right to use the family name, and you will see God’s power operating in your behalf.
4. Unforgiveness and strife: Mark 11:25, And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses (KJV).
Prayer will not work without forgiveness. Staying in harmony makes the prayer system work. An attitude of forgiveness begins at home as stated in 1 Peter 3:7 In the same way, your husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. If you don’t treat her as you should, your prayers will not be heard. Also, see these scriptures; John 14:23, 1 John 4:20.
In regards to strife, James 3:16 states, For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work. Love must be present at all times (harmony in spirit, soul, and body (KJV). God’s Word states in Philippians 4:19, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (KJV).
Let both your words and your actions agree! ACTING on the Word that God has spoken brings results! Take time out of your busy day…daily, to fellowship with God! Remember, God and His Word are one…You fellowship with Him through His Word, then He responds to you through the Holy Spirit.
Share Life Ministries 