Praying With Weak Faith

                                                     When The Door Slams

When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, "You are beside yourself!" Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, "It is his angel." Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.                           Act 12:14-16 

        You can say prayers in your mind but doubt in your heart. At times God will answer such prayers as He did when Peter was in prison, scheduled for execution. The believers in Jerusalem were powerless to free him, so they prayed. When God released Peter, their reaction revealed the doubt in their hearts. They argued that Peter could not possibly be free, even as he stood outside knocking on the door!

        Is it possible to be a "person of prayer" and yet not have faith? Is it possible to fool yourself into believing that because you ask God for help, you have faith in His ability to meet your needs? Is your faith so weak that you are surprised when God answers your prayer? As a child of God, you ought to expect God to answer your prayers. Do you ask God to do something without adjusting your life to what you are praying for? If you are praying for revival, how are you preparing for its coming? If you are praying for forgiveness, did you repent? Are you still living with guilt? If you have asked God to provide for your needs, do you remain worried and anxious?

        Think about this: If you are not obedient to God's Word, will He answer your prayer? If you are not obedient to God's Word, will you trust Him? If you are not obedient to God's Word, will you give Him glory? If you are not obedient to God's Word, can your weak faith move this mountain from your life? If you are not obedient to God's Word, will He give you spiritual wisdom? If you are not obedient to God's Word, will you see the kingdom of heaven?

        Ask God to increase your faith, and then begin living a life that reflects absolute trust in Him. Out of His grace, God may choose to respond to your requests despite your lack of faith, but you will miss the joy of praying in faith.

Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin.                                    Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.      

                                                                            Never Rest Ministries