Week of June 30, 2023

“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 it was so. So they said “It is his angel.” Acts 12:14-15

These two verses illustrate that you can pray to God and still have doubt in your heart. There are times when God will answer such prayers as He did when Peter was in prison awaiting for a certain execution. The believers in Jerusalem were powerless to physically free him and so they turned to God in prayer. When God miraculously released Peter from prison their reaction revealed the doubt that was taking place in their hearts. They argued with each other that Peter could not possibly be free even though he stood outside the door knocking.

It is possible to be a person of prayer and not have 100% faith in your prayer. You can ask God for help and not have faith in His ability to meet your needs. Have you ever been surprised when God answered one of your prayers? As believers we ought to expect God to answer our prayers. If you are praying for forgiveness are you still living with guilt or after you have asked God to provide for your needs did you remain worried?

Maybe we should ask God to increase our measure of faith, so that we can live a life that reflects absolute trust in Him. Remember that because of His grace He may choose to respond to your request in spite of your lack of faith, Remember that God said all things are possible to those who believe!

God Bless, Pastor Rick