Believe and Receive
In the Gospel of Mark chapter 9 verse 23 Jesus told a man who had asked for help for his sick boy: "Everything is possible for the person who has faith". The father cried out "I do have faith, but not enough. Help me to have more!" (verse 24) But he did show faith and his son was healed. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Great Physician. In Mark chapter 11 verse 24 He says "I tell you: when you pray and ask for something, believe that you have received it and you will be given whatever you ask for". Believe and receive. And at the same time forgive anyone who has wronged or upset you: that's very important. God wants to bless us. So BELIEVE and you WILL SEE (not SEE and you will BELIEVE - anyone can do that!)
If an earthly father was asked by his child for an EGG, would he give him or her a dangerous SCORPION? (Luke chapter 11 verse 12) Would he give the hungry child a STONE when he had bought a bag of lovely BREAD rolls? Of course not! No earthly father is anywhere near one hundred percent perfect. Matthew chapter 7 verse 11 says "How much more, then, will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" But God knows our hearts. So it's not wise to be flippant, to treat Him like a "genie in a bottle", or ask for anything that might cause harm or distress to someone else.
The Gospel writers Matthew, Mark and Luke all tell of the time when Jesus calmed a fierce storm. It was an amazing sign of His power and authority as the Son of God. Jesus was asleep in the fishing boat on the way to the opposite shore of Lake Galilee, when a huge wind blew and torrential rain began to fill the boat! The disciples were terrified of drowning, woke Jesus in panic, and the stormy waters calmed immediately at His word. "Where is your faith?" He asked the fishermen. He was with them, keeping them safe and sound, although they hadn't realised it.
Each of the writers describes "a great calm". When we go through "the storms of life" (illness, family crises, national troubles), Jesus is with us "in the boat" and He will guide us safely to "the other side" if we will trust Him. In this world of uncertainties which we all share, it's easy to become frantic and fearful. But, unlike us, God is ALWAYS in control and He will take care of His precious sons and daughters if we ask Him. In Isaiah chapter 30 verse 15 we read "Come back (i.e. to God) and quietly trust in Me. Then you will be strong and secure". He is waiting to be merciful!