Daily Bread – January 19, 2024 (The Sixth Day – Genesis 1:24-31) Mark 11:24 – Because of this I tell you, anything you ask when you pray, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. The subject here is God’s faith (v22). We now, as the disciples then, are to have God’s faith (Mark 11:22). God has a particular kind of faith, for He calls into existence those things that do not exist (Romans 4:17). God is the One Who made everything that is visible from the invisible, and reveals to us how faith is the substance of those things we are confident in, and the evidence of the things not seen (Hebrews 11:1,3). Therefore, Jesus tells us when we pray, we are to believe we have received it – and as a result, it will be ours. The certainty of a future event can be referred to in the past tense based on our confidence in the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God Who has promised. Even at this very moment, the Holy Spirit tells us we may have confidence God hears us when we pray and will immediately respond to our request. Why? Because He loves us so dearly! Therefore, having such confidence, we know it is done – even if the evidence of it is still unseen. Believing we have received what we have asked for is the result of our confidence in God’s love for us. The miracle producing the tangible evidence for all to see is guaranteed to follow in such a relationship. Too many people are captivated by the evidence following, rather than the love that is present (1 John 4:16). When we consider how the Father loves us so much that it is His good pleasure to give us the Kingdom, it becomes easy to believe. The secret to laying hold of faith is for us to believe the love God has for us. His love supplies all the boldness and confidence we need, because we know the One Who loves us so dearly will do whatever we ask. With God nothing is impossible, and those who will trust Him can personally know this, and give witness to it through their own experience. There is nothing too hard for God, and He is ready to work a miracle for you. Therefore, our souls may safely rest in the confidence that what He has promised, He will also do. God has been very clear on the subject of what we can expect from Him – whatever we ask! (1 John 3:21-22; John 14:13-14, 15:16, 16:23). Now, all we must do is trust that He is actually telling the truth. Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen