We typically complete our prayers by saying, “In Jesus’ name, Amen.” But is that a mechanical ending, or are we certifying that those prayers are vacuum-packed in unwavering faith? One definition of Amen is “so be it.” Embracing that interpretation will escalate our faith since a doubled-minded person shouldn’t expect to receive anything from God. Is your Amen vacuum-packed in faith?
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:6-8).
Amen is more than a closure; it’s the beginning of our faith test.
When I refer to vacuum-packed in faith, I mean sealing out doubts, reservations, and skepticism. The test is when uncertainties come—can you stay focused on God and His Word? What are you believing God for at the moment? When you said Amen, did you sign off in faith?
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
That assurance of knowing our prayers are answered comes from knowing God on a personal level. The more we grow in Him, the more intimate our relationship becomes, which leads to trust. Psalm 37:4-5 says if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts, and if we commit our ways unto Him, He will bring it to pass.
So, how can our Amen be vacuum-packed in faith?
- First, we must make sure we are in right standing with God and not just wanting Him for what He can do for us. Do we go to great lengths to find and obey the Lord even when we’re not asking Him for anything in particular? God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
- Second, is our prayer request in God’s will? If the prayer isn’t in His will, we’re just spouting off words detached from power. Praying in God’s will comes from knowing His Word. Proverbs 3:5-6 says that if we trust and acknowledge God in all our ways, He will direct our path.
- Therefore, finally, if we are in right standing with the Spirit, and our prayers are in His will, then we should proceed with confidence that our Amen is vacuum-packed in faith.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him (1 John 5:14-15, NIV).
Amen.
© 2021
See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.