“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Matthew 7:7
We often think of faith as something passive—waiting, hoping, or enduring. But faith in the Bible is active. It’s not only believing that God can, but living as though He already has. The scripture says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1. That means faith is not vague optimism—it has substance. It takes form—first in your heart, then in your life.
Throughout the gospels, Jesus often linked miracles to people’s readiness to receive. To the blind men, He asked, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” When they answered yes, He replied, “According to your faith let it be to you” Matthew 9:28–29. Faith draws the unseen into the seen.
God will never do His greatest works in your life apart from your faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him” Hebrews 11:6. And the truth is: you already have faith—whether you feel it or not. “God has dealt to each one a measure of faith” Romans 12:3. Faith is like your arms. You don’t wait to feel them before using them; you just reach.
But for faith to work, it must be directed toward something specific. Vague hopes bring vague results. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… but let him ask in faith, without doubting. For the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea… let not that person suppose he will receive anything from the Lord” James 1:5–7. Faith becomes potent when it is focused: a clear-cut objective, a burning desire, assurance in prayer, and thanksgiving in advance.
Jesus taught this clearly: “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” Mark 11:24. We must visualise what we’ve asked for, thank God before it arrives, and walk as though it’s already done. Abraham modelled this when he “did not waver through unbelief… but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised” Romans 4:20–21.
This is how heaven’s resources are delivered. Not just by praying, but by receiving—“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” Matthew 21:22.
Today’s Challenge: What have you asked God for but stopped expecting? Ask again—this time with clarity, confidence, and thanksgiving. Then start living like it’s on the way.
Reflection:
What promise have I believed without acting on? (James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”)
What would change in my behaviour if I truly believed God had already answered?
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk