DATE POSTED
Thursday, June 4, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Matthew 21:22 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the English Standard Version (ESV).

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

What would be the point of praying if you didn’t actually believe your prayers could be answered? Praying in doubt is a sure way of going through the motions—saying the right words with our lips while our hearts quietly question whether God is even listening, let alone willing to respond.

God’s Word speaks very directly about the connection between our faith and His answers. In the Gospels, Jesus gives us a staggering promise:

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” — Matthew 21:22

But the Apostle James provides the sobering flip side of that coin, explaining what happens when we let doubt creep into our conversations with the Father:

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” — James 1:6-7

To connect with God in a meaningful way, we must first know Jesus and truly believe in Him. However, this presents a real challenge for someone who refuses to submit to Him. They might acknowledge that He exists and even recognize that He has the power to answer prayer, viewing Him merely as someone they want on their side when things go wrong. They treat Him like an emergency line to call only in times of desperate trouble.

From Acquaintance to Intimacy

Think about it this way: Someone who has known my wife since early childhood might feel like they can call her up out of the blue to ask for a favor, expecting a positive response simply because they are familiar with her.

But our relationship is entirely different. We have shared our very lives, navigating the ultra-highs and the deepest valleys together for over 50 years of marriage. We know each other so intimately that we can almost speak for one another. There is absolutely nothing we wouldn’t do to bring joy and contentment to each other’s lives.

Without that kind of intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, a person will naturally feel a sense of hesitation or even shame when trying to lay their burdens on Him. Because they lack personal proof of His faithfulness, they doubt His unproven ability to handle their requests. After all, human nature makes us extremely cautious about sharing our deepest, rawest vulnerabilities with a total stranger.

The Confidence of a Child of God

For the believer, things look completely different. We aren’t guessing about God’s power—we have seen it, felt it, and personally experienced His miracles. We are students of His Word, where we read about the incredible wonders He has performed throughout history.

On top of that, we hear our pastors share fresh stories of miracles on the mission field, and we listen to the moving testimonies of fellow believers sitting right next to us in the pews at our church services.

All of this builds an unshakeable confidence within us. We know that the very same God who blessed us on the mountaintops of life is standing right beside us in the darkest valleys. The One who answers our prayers for the small, seemingly minor things, is the exact same God who possesses the absolute power and willingness to step into our major health, family, or financial crises when we are completely helpless.

Our God isn’t just waiting around for a massive disaster to strike before He listens to us. He loves us enough to care about the smallest details and the greatest hurdles alike. We are His children, and He values us so highly that He sent His only Son to bear the heavy crushing weight of the sin we lay on Him when we accept His salvation. No greater love exists than the love God has for His children! The big question today goes far beyond why a specific prayer might seem unanswered. The real question is: Do you have a personal, intimate relationship with the One who answers? Is your relationship with Jesus strong enough that you can confidently place your burdens into His hands, believing with all your heart that He can and will work things out? God doesn’t want you to just know about Him based on second-hand stories from your parents, your spouse, or your friends. He wants you to know Him personally. Accept Him as your Lord and Savior today, and find perfect peace in bringing every single need before Him—knowing without a shadow of a doubt that He hears you and will always respond in the way that is best for you.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Forgive me for the times I have approached Your throne with a double-minded heart, letting the winds of doubt toss me back and forth. Lord, I don’t want to just know about You; I want to know You intimately. Thank You for 50-plus years of spiritual lessons, for mountaintop victories, and for Your steady hand in the deep valleys. I anchor my faith today in Your proven track record of miracles and Your perfect love displayed on the cross. I lay my current needs at Your feet, completely letting go of doubt, and resting in the absolute assurance that You hear me and will answer in Your perfect way.

In the faithful and powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!