That sounds really good, but we all know that isn't always the case. We've asked for healing for someone we love and they die. We ask for a specific job and we don't get it. We ask to pass a test and we fail. As many as there are people, there are stories of people who have really believed but didn't receive.
What's up with that?
We know Jesus doesn't lie. We know He's without sin. We know He is 100% human and 100% God. We know there must be more to the truth of this verse than the surface meaning.
Some say the reason we don't receive is because we don't believe enough. But for those of us who have really believed and still haven't seen prayers answered as we believed, know this is wrong. Sure, there are times this might be the case but normally not. Prayer isn't a formula to be followed. And God can't be manipulated by words that we say perfectly and in the right order (that sounds like a magic spell).
It is never "we do this so we get that" from God. He is not a genie. He is not Santa Claus. He is not a wizard. He is not a corrupt boss that can be bought off.
He is a Father, The Father -- the very best completely good loving Father. He is the definition of the very best love ever known (God is love -- found in 1 John). That is what needs to be remembered. We have to ask God to put deep into our hearts the understanding of how good He really is.
So when we go to Him in prayer and we ask for something we think is a very good thing but it still doesn't happen we must realize our Loving Father says there is a more perfect way and His plan is being worked out for our benefit (and the benefit of others).
I love my children and I want the very best for them. When they ask for something and I say no, there is a very good reason. I am looking out for them. I know what is necessary and what will bring them joy and what will keep them safe and what will help them grow into the people God created them to be (I don't always do this right of course -- but God does).
If God says no He might be protecting you. The answer doesn't just affect you. It affects all those in your life and people you might not even know yet. All things work for good for those who love God (that's found in Romans 8).
If you are very disappointed how something has gone and you asked God to intevene and He apparently didn't, ask your Father to give you understanding. He is more generous than we can imagine. He loves to give to His children. If He didn't withhold His own beloved Son why would He withhold anything less than that? He already gave us the prize. Why would He not give us the things that are nothing compared to that prize (that's also in Romans!). The answer lies in Him being a very good and loving Father who wants more for us than we can imagine.
(Some answers we are refused we'll never understand this side of heaven. Like, why did my 11 year old daughter have to die in 2013? Why is my son Hawken unable to walk or talk (We still pray for his healing but it hasn't happened yet)? Why does he have uncontrollable seizures -- I mean what good are they doing anyone? I have no idea and that's okay.)
Everything gets back to our relationship with Him. If He says no, ask for understanding and contentment. If He says wait, ask Him for strength to wait in anticipation for Him to come through. If you don't know what to do just tell yourself, "My Father loves me. He'll get me through."
Then talk to Him. Ask Him for guidance. Ask Him to see His love for you.
The Scripture is completely true. So when things don't seem to line up there is a deeper truth we need to understand.
Father God is so good. That is what we need to cling to no matter what.