“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”
John 15:7
I saw an ad about a teen-aged boy reluctant to call a girl for a date, fearing she would say, “No.” When he gathers up the courage, she says, “Yes,” and he’s stunned. It reminded me of my youthful days in the same predicament. I’d rehearse my call to a girl. Several times I’d grab the phone, hesitate, and then back out. A minute later, I’d go over it all again. I concluded that it’s better to try and get a “No” than to never try and never get a “Yes.”
While calling out to the Lord is not quite the same, we do need to approach Him in prayer. Jesus promises—as in our John 15 passage for today—to hear and respond. In Isaiah we read, “How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you” (30:19). “Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I” (58:9). “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (65:24).
When you’re afraid of hearing, “No,” make the call anyway. Go to the Lord! His answer may be “No,” but it also might be “Yes!”
While calling out to the Lord is not quite the same, we do need to approach Him in prayer. Jesus promises—as in our John 15 passage for today—to hear and respond. In Isaiah we read, “How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you” (30:19). “Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I” (58:9). “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (65:24).
When you’re afraid of hearing, “No,” make the call anyway. Go to the Lord! His answer may be “No,” but it also might be “Yes!”
Scripture Focus
John 15:1-8
Insight
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us.” (Hebrews 4:16)
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 15-16
- Psalm 111
- Romans 13-14