Confidence

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” - Hebrews 4:16

In the fascinating world of aviation, there was a barrier once considered unbreakable – the sound barrier. For decades, engineers believed that Mach 1 – a wall of air that could not be penetrated and in which dozens of pilots died trying - could not be obtained. When a plane approaches the speed of sound, shock waves increase causing pilots to lose control. Air pressure builds up in front of the aircraft, causing a wave drag, because the air on top of the wing is traveling faster than the air on the bottom. There is a scientific principle that says it will typically result in a catastrophic nosedive. 

In the spiritual world, there is another barrier that, at times, seems to be unbreakable and impenetrable – the prayer barrier. Prayer can feel like hard work at times, and many Christians find themselves unsatisfied with their prayer lives. The good news is there is no such thing as an actual prayer barrier. Although at times it may seem that God is not listening or answering, or that we are not “doing it right,” prayer is one of God’s greatest gifts to all believers. In fact, I believe the greatest source of untapped power in our lives is prayer.

There is one element that is essential to breaking the so-called prayer barrier, and that is confidence. Hebrews 4:16 urges us to come to God’s throne with confidence…but confidence in what? Confidence in our own ability to pray well? No. Confidence that we will always receive the answer we desire? No. Our confidence is in the One to whom we are praying. We can be confident that He hears our prayers…assured that He cares about everything we have to say. Psalm 145:18 reaffirms this confidence: “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”

To pray with confidence means to speak freely and without reservation. Because God’s throne is a throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16), we can speak openly and frankly with our God. We don’t have to be afraid to open our hearts before Him and pour out our deepest worries, fears, and needs. He desires to be invited into the darkest and deepest parts of our souls. It is here that we will find grace and help in our time of need.   

Father, give me a deeper confidence in who You are so that I can grow in faith and honesty with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.