In Defense of the Faith

Where Is God’s Will in Faith and Prayer?

Question: I’ve heard a number of preachers on Christian TV say that to ask for something in prayer and then to say, “If it be Your will, Lord,” or “According to Your will, Lord,” will destroy one’s faith. I tend to agree. What do you say?

Response: Although there is much good, unfortunately there is also an abundance of heresy on Christian TV. Far from being supported by the Bible, this teaching contradicts it. After making a request of His Father in heaven in prayer, Jesus added, “Nevertheless, not as I will but as thou wilt” (Matthew:26:39And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
See All...). That sounds very much like “If it be Your will, Lord” or “According to Your will, Lord.” The words are only slightly different, but the meaning is exactly the same.

Instead of submission to God’s will being a hindrance  to faith, it is the only way to have faith. Faith in God causes one to trust Him and to want His will above all and thus to obey Him. Would you desire, even if you could, to persuade God to do something against His will? We have dealt with this question in some depth earlier, so I won’t go into it again.