Remember when Jesus cursed the fig tree and it died from the roots up? The disciples and Jesus were walking along when Jesus spotted a fig tree and being hungry, went over to check it out. Although the tree was healthy with an abundance of leaves, it was out of season to be fruit bearing, so Jesus cursed it and walked on. They arrived in Jerusalem and Jesus proceeded to drive out the money changers in the temple; the next morning they left the city headed back in the direction of the fig tree. When the disciples saw it they were astonished! Peter spoke up, “Look, Master! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” Jesus replied, “Have faith in God (constantly). I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea.’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says is going to take place, it will be done for him. For this reason I am telling you whatever things you ask for in prayer, believe you have received them and they will be given to you.” and in the same breath he said, “Whenever you pray, if you have anything against anyone forgive him so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions and wrongdoings.” Mark 11:21-25
I have heard all of my life to pray and believe, I have said so many times,”There are two things Jesus requires of us to receive whatever we ask for”, but guys, there’s three things we must do, and not just in this fasting season! We are commanded to forgive WHENEVER we pray, that’s every time. We need to earnestly search our hearts for any offense or hurt that we have received, and also that which we have caused whether knowingly or not! Holy Spirit will reveal it to us if we ask. I believe that unforgiveness hinders our prayers, if we are unforgiving, then our Father will not forgive us our trespasses. We can pray and believe for anything in the world but to do so with unforgiveness in our hearts, ties God’s hands to move on our behalf.
Jesus used this moment by the withered fig tree to emphasize to the disciples that a person’s confident, abiding faith combined with God’s power can produce absolutely amazing results if the request is in harmony with God’s will. DLC, we are praying and believing for Revival, breakthrough, healing, and without a shadow of doubt, I know our requests are in harmony with God’s heart! Let’s make an intentional effort to NOT fast forgiveness and instead follow hard after God’s purpose for us in the season.
Forgive, Pray and Believe
