Hebrews 11:1-3

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Faith is a living channel of trust between man and God. In some circles of Christianity you will find two false teachings that redefine faith:

1) Faith is a force and words are containers of the force. You can speak reality into existence. In grabbing hold of the force of faith, you can speak anything into your life which includes health and wealth. If it doesn’t come to pass, it must be because your faith is not real. This teaching leaves people questioning their faith and lacking assurance. Many have died by having faith in their words and ignoring medical treatment. (The Benny Hinn Camp)

2) Believing or placing your faith in Jesus will not save you. You have no way of knowing for sure if you are saved because having faith is something you do and works can’t save you. This teaching leaves people with no assurance of salvation, because they can only hope and not know for sure if they are one of the elect. It is a direct attack on the good news of the Gospel. (The Harold Camping Camp) Unfortunately some of the worst teachers have some of the largest platforms and skeptics are watching this nonsense. It solidifies their disbelief in God. The leaders who support the name it and claim it movement argue against what Jesus taught His disciples to do: 

Luke 11:1-4

Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Are you trusting in God or in the power of your words? I thank God for not answering some prayers with a “yes” at points in my life. My spiritual growth and peace with Him increased because of this. I recall all the times I drove cross-country in my tractor-trailer where I drew close to God and studied the bible by listening to audio while driving. 

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

When you pray Thy will be done, your prayers are answered 100% of the time. Bring Him your prayer requests. He knows them even before you ask . God will answer your prayers according to His will. God will give you what you need, not what you want.

1 John 5:14-15

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

When I experienced pain in my toe, I had my foot x-rayed and the doctor told me I needed surgery because I had bone spurs. I didn’t have health insurance or money to get the surgery done. I prayed to Jesus to heal my toe. In my bible study group, we also prayed to Jesus to heal my toe. Certainly, If God can speak the universe into existence out of nothing a bone spur is a small thing for Him. How did God answer my prayer ?

Proverbs 16:9

A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

Through circumstances, He blessed me with a new job with health insurance and tripled my income. Did He actually answer my prayer? Yes, and beyond what I asked for. 

Matthew 7:11

 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

2 views regarding this prayer

1) The atheist view : “You are crazy talking to this God of your own making. They lock up people who talk to themselves. As far as God leading you to this or that through circumstances, it was just a coincidence.”

2) The heretical view : “Your faith is not genuine. If your faith was real, your toe would have been healed. True words of faith bring healing.”

Cited Sources: Christianity in Crisis by Hank Hanegraaff