The Promise Principle: A New Way to Encounter the Bible عينة

The Promise Principle Devotional Day 3: Asking by Faith How do you respond to the promises of God? The Bible says to do “everything by prayer through supplication, with thanksgiving” (Philippians 4:6). In every trouble and every temptation, you can respond to God’s promises through prayer. One way to respond through prayer is asking by faith. “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matthew 21:22). To understand the context of this promise, review the story of Matthew 21:18–21. Jesus sees a fig tree that has leaves but no figs. He curses the tree, and it withers before the disciples’ eyes. The disciples are amazed and ask Jesus how this happened. Jesus responds that if they have faith, they can do things like this too. Was Jesus in a bad mood? Was He the type of guy who took out anger issues on a tree, or was He illustrating something deeper? The fig tree represents the spiritual deadness of God’s people, the Israelites. Like the leafy tree, they looked healthy from a distance, but upon closer inspection, they bore no fruit. Isn’t that like many Christians today? You can look good on the outside but actually be fruitless and unproductive on the inside. Jesus then tells the disciples that if they have faith, they can throw a mountain into the sea. Have you ever seen someone throw a mountain? I haven’t, but I can tell you that the troubles and temptations in my life have felt like mountains at times. A mountain can be any obstacle in your life that keeps you from walking by the Spirit. Faith is acting upon the promises of God. He will give you what you need to walk in spiritual fruitfulness. If you ask in faith and respond to God’s promises no matter the circumstance, you will be able to throw your mountains into the sea. What mountains would you like to throw today? Reading Matthew 21:18–22 Philippians 4:6