"Continue earnestly in prayer,
being vigilant in it with thanksgiving."
Colossians 4:2
A man came to his pastor with a prayer burden. He said, "I've been praying about this burden for a long time. To be honest, I wonder if God is hearing me." The pastor said, "I suppose all of us have had the same thought. We pray over a problem and the answer doesn't come, but the Bible says to continue in prayer. Don't give up." The Bible encourages us to wait upon the LORD. Faith refuses to give up, knowing that God hears and answers prayer.
The power of prayer is faith, and the power of faith is the Holy Spirit. Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit, an abiding gift (1 Cor. 13:13). Doubt says, "I prayed yesterday and God hasn't answered my prayer. I guess He didn't hear me." Faith says, "I prayed about my problem and I know God heard me. He will answer in His time and in His way." Our faith is tested in prayer (James 1:3). When we ask in faith, we receive from God (James 1:5-6). Doubt blocks us from answered prayer. We are warned about doubting, "For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord" (James 1:7).
All of us have a "bout with doubt" sooner or later. How can we defeat doubt to receive from God? First, "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). He is the focus and source of our faith. Secondly, let us base our faith on the promises of the Bible. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Continue in prayer, looking unto Jesus and standing on the promises of God.
Father, we pray Your promises and receive by faith in Jesus name.
