Keys to answered prayer (1)

Just as the right key opens the door, there are scriptural principles that guarantee your prayers will be answered. For the next few days, let’s look at them. Faith. “Without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him” (v. 6 CEV). God doesn’t necessarily respond to your need. Look around and you will see that everyone has unmet needs. So what does God respond to? Your faith! But Satan will try to fill your mind with doubts. And when he does, you need to examine your heart and see what it says. You can believe God’s Word in your heart even when your mind questions it. So stand on what’s in your heart instead of what’s in your head. Sometimes doubt begins with distraction. When you’re distracted from God’s promises, you start to doubt. And as you focus more and more on your problems, your faith begins to waver. When that happens, you must refocus like a laser on God’s promises—and merely glance at your problems. Don’t try to deny them, but don’t give them undue attention. The Bible says, “When you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. If you are that kind of person, you can’t make up your mind, and you surely can’t be trusted. So don’t expect the Lord to give you anything at all” (James 1:6-8 CEV). Stay anchored to God’s Word, and don’t drift all over the place when your circumstances begin to change.