The promise in 1 John 5:13-15 is one of the most encouraging in Scripture: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.” These words show us that God hears and answers our prayers, but there is an essential condition: asking according to His will.
Many times, we wonder why our prayers are not answered. Are we asking in the wrong way? The truth is that, although God desires to bless us, He is also working on a greater plan, full of purposes beyond our understanding. The example of the people of Israel in Egypt illustrates this. Their suffering under slavery was not a coincidence; it was a sign that their time in that land had ended and that a period of learning in the wilderness was necessary. God was preparing a people for a new life, and the process, though painful, was part of His plan.
Another example is Job. He lost everything—his possessions, family, and health. In the midst of suffering, Job cried out to God, questioning the reason for his pain. In the end, God not only restored Job but also taught him about His sovereignty and wisdom. Job learned that even in suffering, God had a greater purpose.
In the same way, when we pray, we need to understand that God is always working for our good and for the fulfillment of His purposes. This does not mean that our requests do not matter, but that we must align our desires with His will. Jesus taught us this in the Lord’s Prayer when He prayed: “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
So, how can we know if we are asking according to God's will? First, we need to know His Word, as it reveals His character and plans. Second, we must seek intimacy with Him through prayer and meditation, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. Third, we need to trust that even when we do not understand, God is in control and works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
May we learn to pray with humility and confidence, desiring not only what we want but what God wants for us. May our hearts be aligned with His purposes, and may we rest in the certainty that He hears and answers our prayers in the best way, at the right time, and for His glory.