Question:

Mark 11:24 is a verse I find difficult to because the favors I ask of God in faith do not materialize more often.  Could you kindly explain what it really means?

Answer:

Mark 11:24 is true, of course, but we should not forget that there are other passages on the topic which would help us to understand what Jesus is promising.  For example, James 4:3 tells us that if we ask with selfish motives, we should not expect God to answer our prayers.  Also, 1 John 5:13-15 tells us that whatever we ask of God we will have, if it is God’s will.  Paul begged God to take away a physical ailment, but God said no (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).  I am afraid that, as Christians, we will need to have faith that God is in control and that he hears and answers our prayers.  I suppose all of us wish that God would “answer” more of our prayers, but “faith is belief in things unseen” (Hebrews 11:1).

John Oakes