The law of faith also require that we believe we receive when we pray. This may sound simple but it is a profound requirement of faith that determines whether we have what we pray for or not. Jesus says in Mark 11: 24 “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them and they will be granted you”. As Kenneth E. Hagin puts it, “it is your job to believe that you receive when you pray, and it’s God job to ensure that you have what you pray for”. This is contrary to the world’s system of “seeing is believing”. In God’s kingdom, and in the realm of faith, believing leads to seeing the manifestation of what you have asked God for. This is the point Jesus stressed to Martha when He told her “…Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (Mark 11:40).
The time for receiving what you have asked for is at that point when you pray (Mark 11:24). But the manifestation may not be instant. Your faith then becomes the evidence that you have what you have not seen yet (Hebrews 11:1). Your faith becomes the title deed which proves that you are the owner of what you have asked God for (Hebrews 11:1). Your faith becomes the substance, the actuality, of what you have confidently expected from God (Hebrews 11:1).
This is how serious the issue of believing God is: “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:5-8). Therefore do not lose your faith in God, and never quit believing. If you do your last hope is gone and you will have no grounds to receive anything from God. But if you believe, then the law of faith will work in your favour, and nothing shall be impossible unto you (cf. Matthew 17:20).
To be continued…
-Kwadwo Omari, PhD
© February 20, 2017