These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. Little children, guard yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:13;21
What if you knew you would live forever? Would it change how you would live? Would you take more risks, care less about what others think, and love recklessly?
In the Aladdin stories… there is a genie who says “Your wish is my command”. What if God said yes to almost all of your prayers? Would you pray about bigger things… or pray about everything? John, the beloved apostle, concludes his beautiful letter telling us that you can know you have eternal life and that our confidence before God can soar to heights where we know we are heard and will have the request we make of Him. This is not rubbing a lamp like to have wishes granted by a genie. No, its intimacy with the maker of the universe who loves us and is conforming us to the pattern of His dear Son. We have what we ask, because we ask according to His will. With that confidence, John warns- be careful and guard yourself from idols.
God, when I consider all of this, I realize my dreams are too small. My faith is truly but a mustard seed. May I never think of You as a Genie, granting wishes, but my Lord, Savior and God worthy of my love, affection and devotion. What could I do for You today. Your wish is my command.
