Place Your Order

Memory Verse: "...Tell God what you need..." (Phil.4:6, NLT)

Scripture Reading: Jms.4:1-3

Can you imagine walking into a restaurant and asking if your order is ready? "When did you call in to place your order?" The server asks. "Oh, I didn't," goes your reply. "I just thought perhaps you might have prepared something with my name on it." If I happen to be the server, I will give you this look that says, "Really!" because you sound ridiculous!

That's as ridiculous as expecting God to answer prayer requests you haven't made-- or haven't made in faith (see Jms.1:6-7).

The Bible says we do not receive because we have not asked. By implication, if we want to receive, we have to ask in faith. Will God give you everything you ask for? No. He will not because your order (request) must be in total harmony with His will for your life (see 1 Jn.5:14).

In addition to praying in faith, we must be ready to wait for our orders to be processed and brought to us. What happens after you place your order in a restaurant? You wait. You simply wait for your order to be served you.

In the same way, expectant prayer (waiting in hope that God will grant you your request according to His will) demonstrates confidence in God's goodness.

So instead of fretting, or talking about it to everybody but God, or taking matters into your own hands, say, "Lord, I'm waiting on You and I'm going to trust You with this regardless of the outcome," and He will honour your faith. 

Finally, give thanks. After placing your order in the restaurant, you add "thank you" even before the order arrives. Paul writes, "Pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks" (Phil.4:6, Emphasis mine).

Do you need a job? Help overcoming a problem or breaking free from a destructive habit? The salvation of a loved one? A deeper spiritual walk? Physical or emotional healing? Guidance? No matter what you need, go ahead and place your order in faith, wait expectantly and give God thanks. Jesus said, "It gives your Father great happiness to give you the [benefits of] [His] kingdom" (Lk.12:32, NLT). God wants to be good to you, so tell Him the "desires of your heart" (Ps.37:4, NKJV). Then thank Him believing your answers will come-- in His time!

Ponder Point: God speaks to those who take time to listen and He listens to those who take time to pray.

Action Point: Place your order.

Prayer Point: Pray as led.