TOPIC: ACCESSING GOD’S PROMISES WITH CONFIDENCE
Bible Reading: Ezra 9-10; Acts 1
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.” — 1 John 5:14 (KJV)
Confidence is essential in approaching God and receiving from Him. As children of God, we are called to come boldly before our Heavenly Father, trusting in His love and His promises. It is through confidence in His Word and His will that we lay hold of every blessing He has prepared for us.
One of the greatest hindrances to a believer’s confidence is a lifestyle of sin. When Scripture warns against living in sin, it is not because sin diminishes God’s love or the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. The finished work of Jesus has fully satisfied the demands of divine justice concerning sin. However, a continual lifestyle of disobedience affects our conscience, weakens our confidence before God, and damages our testimony before others.
Although believers may stumble from time to time, a habitual lifestyle of sin is contrary to the new nature we have received in Christ. The Spirit of God within us continually draws us toward righteousness and produces in us a desire to please our Heavenly Father.
The remedy for overcoming sin is not merely greater self-discipline but a deeper fellowship with God. As we remain conscious of Christ through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word, our hearts are strengthened to live victoriously. God’s Word is living and powerful, producing His righteousness within us.
Galatians 5:16 declares, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Likewise, Jesus said, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” John 6:63. As we continually walk in the Spirit and feed upon God’s Word, His life transforms us from within.
Even when you fail, do not allow condemnation to keep you away from God. Instead, respond by drawing nearer to Him. Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) encourages us to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” God’s mercy restores us, and His grace empowers us to continue walking with Him. The grace of God is not only His unmerited favor but also His divine teacher. Titus 2:11-12 (KJV) says, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” As we yield to His grace, we are strengthened to live above sin and to approach God with confidence in prayer.
Refuse to allow guilt or condemnation to rob you of your confidence before God. Rest in the finished work of Christ, walk in the Spirit, and allow God’s grace to shape your life. Then you will boldly access His promises, knowing that He hears and answers those who seek Him according to His will.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the confidence I have through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Enlarge my capacity to walk in the Spirit in Jesus name.
Pastor Alfred Samuel