If you have received Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, then you have inherited a wealth of divine promises from God. But most of these promises consist of two parts—God’s part, and yours. Let’s look at some of the things that you and I must do to reap the blessings of God’s promises in the Bible.

Scripture says that Jesus has given us His peace. (John 14:27) But we can relinquish that peace when we allow our circumstances and negative reports to become our focus. When that happens, we are not without resources. We can turn to the Lord in prayer. "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 TLB) When our peace is threatened, our part is to pray and give thanks. And God’s part is to fill us with His perfect, unshakeable peace.

The Bible reveals that the Lord is eager to guide and direct us so that we may live the abundant, victorious life that Christ died for us to have. Our part in the process is to cooperate with Him and His Spirit. "The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.’" (Psalm 32:8-9 NLT) God wants us to receive His best in every situation and circumstance, but He won’t force it on us. It’s up to us to be sensitive and obedient to His leading, and to desire His will above all else. Then He will fulfill His promise to lead and guide us in the paths of His richest blessings.

Jesus promised that God would meet our needs. But there’s an important part for you and I to play in the process. "But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides." (Matthew 6:33 AMP) In other words, we are not to seek things; we are to seek God. And we are to seek Him first and foremost. The Living Bible expresses this idea beautifully when it says: "Your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well [the things you need], and He will give them to you if you give Him first place in your life and live as He wants you to." (Matthew 6:33 TLB) We give God first place in our lives, and we live His way. Then He sees that we have everything we need to live the life He has called us to.

Jesus promised His followers answered prayer. He also gave us some specific instructions on how to receive this blessing. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." (John 15:7 NKJV) Simply put, we cannot pray effectively without a working knowledge of the Word of God. Scripture says that we can pray with "confidence" when we pray in line with God’s will. (1 John 5:14-15) If you want to know what the Lord’s will is in a situation, study His Word. Then the Holy Spirit who dwells in you will help you to use that knowledge to pray in harmony with God’s will, and you will receive your answer.

The Lord is saying to His people today: "I am ready to perform My word." (Jeremiah 1:12 NKJV) The question is--are we ready to do our part?

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for being "the God who keeps every promise." (Psalm 146:6 TLB) Help me to do my part to receive all of the good things that are my inheritance in Christ. Thank You that Your Word is true, and You are true to Your Word! (John 17:17; Hebrews 11:11 AMP)

- J. M. Farro