Romans 8:32

"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32)

Have you ever asked God for something and thought "Why would God give me this? I don't deserve it."?

Maybe you missed your morning devotional time. Perhaps you became irritable in traffic on the way to work. Maybe you were short-tempered with a family member. Most of us wouldn't consciously admit that we believe this disqualifies us from having our prayers answered. But, somewhere on the inside, we don't quite pray as confidently when we've stumbled. We wonder if God is quite as inclined to hear our prayers when we've messed up.

Well, guess what? Before you were even a part of the family of God, He answered a prayer you weren't even praying. He gave you the greatest, most outrageous gift ever given. How qualified were you when you received the gift of salvation? My guess is you came to Christ like me- completely messed up, broken, and on a path that would've lead you to despair. Yet, somehow, God came to you! His mercy reaches far beyond what we've done or haven't done. He reached the whole way across to us.

(see Ephesians 2:1-10 for more)

Instead of questioning whether God will answer us because of our sin, do what I do: Push the Divine Delete Button. Confess your sin, repent, then get back to bold prayer! As soon as you confess and repent, your sin is gone forever and has no legal right to hinder you from coming to the Father.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

"Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32)

God is not offended when we make mistakes, even as I am not offended by the mistakes of my 3-year old. It's called immaturity. As long as our desire to be wholly His is sincere, He will help us to grow and overcome that which hinders us. In the meantime, know that His desire to bless you is not impeded by your weakness. So, keep on asking! He will answer in due time!