“So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
The above-referenced scripture that is highlighted in blue really got my attention during my daily devotion while listening to the Book of John on my “smart phone.”
“Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me…”
I began to meditate on that part of John 11:41 and realized that most of my life I’ve never really believed if God heard my prayers unless I saw a manifestation of my requests. I guess the, Doubting Thomas Syndrome (won’t believe unless you see it first) really played a big part most of my life.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I know there’s a God and Jesus is His Son. I just didn’t fully understand that when our requests are expressed through prayer or petitions for others or ourselves, they are being heard. The problem lies in the fact that we want an answer NOW. God is not a puppet on a string we can pull to instantly receive our requests. He wants us to trust Him that He, 1) heard us when we uttered the first word and 2) wait expecting Him to meet the need or answer that question.
“In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” – Psalm 5:3
“For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.” – Psalm 38:15
I thank God for his loving-kindness and patience towards us.
So, when we can finally wrap our brains around the fact that when we’re crying out to God, He’s hearing us. We just have to believe and wait on Him to manifest His glory. Speaking of His glory…
“So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” John 11:41
Also, notice in the above paragraph, Jesus stated John 11:41 more so for the crowd’s benefit. It’s very simple, He wants us to just believe and see the glory of the Most High God.
Jesus knew that His Heavenly Father heard every last request. He knew who He was and acted on the authority given to Him.
Jesus answered… “For I know where I came from and where I am going…” John 8:14
If you have ever asked Jesus into your heart as your personal savior and publicly confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, then as a child of God, simply believe and know who you are in Christ. You may not fully understand everything. However, you can hope and know that He has great things in store for you. Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
If you have never confessed Jesus as Lord, then you have an opportunity right now. He’s waiting patiently and will always be there knocking at the door of your heart. Don’t let it be said that you had a chance to receive the one who is able to give you hope, peace and joy.
If you would like to accept Jesus as Lord of your life, you can pray the following prayer:
Lord, I confess that I have sinned against you and ask you to forgive me. I am sorry that my sin has hurt You and other people in my life. I acknowledge that I could never earn salvation by my good works, but I come to you and trust in what Jesus did for me on the cross. I believe that You love me and that Jesus died and rose again so that I can be forgiven and come to know You. I ask you to come into my heart and that You would be Lord of my life. I trust You with my life and I thank You for loving me so much that I can know you here on earth, and spend the rest of eternity with You in heaven. In Jesus name, Amen.
Finally, know that He hears you!
