What Does God Do Today?

What do we expect God to do when we pray? That question matters. We can speak often about His power and still approach Him with very little expectation. Ephesians 3:20–21 praises the God who can do far beyond what we ask or think, according to His power at work among His people. Paul gives us reason to pray with confidence. We do not have to understand every way God works to believe that He is present, attentive, and able.

Start with forgiveness. First John 1:7–9 tells us about cleansing through Jesus’ blood and assures us that God forgives and cleanses when we confess our sins. That is more than a fact to remember for a Bible class. It is a promise from the Father to whom we come. He is the One who forgives. When we have sinned, we can approach Him honestly, repent, and keep walking in His light. His mercy should draw us closer to Him.

Romans 8:26–27 says the Spirit helps in our weakness and intercedes according to God’s will. What comfort when we struggle to find words! James 1:5–8 tells those who lack wisdom to ask God in faith. We should take those invitations seriously. Pray, and then give careful attention to what God has revealed. James 3:17 describes wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, and merciful. Those qualities help us recognize the kind of person we are asking Him to help us become.

Lydia’s story gives us another reason for both confidence and humility. Acts 16:14–15 says the Lord opened her heart as she listened to Paul, and then records her baptism. God receives the credit, and Lydia listens and responds. We should keep both parts of the account. Luke does not explain every detail of how the Lord worked. We do not need to supply a theory of irresistible grace or new revelation to trust the passage. Believe what God says without pretending to know what He leaves unexplained.

Notice what Paul asks for in Ephesians 1:15–19 and 3:14–19. He prays for enlightened hearts, a deeper understanding of hope, spiritual strength, and a fuller grasp of Christ’s love. Those are good prayers for us, too. We naturally ask for relief, provision, and better circumstances. Bring those needs to God. But also ask Him to help you grow in courage, love, understanding, and faithfulness. Pray those things for your family, your church, and the people who are searching.

Trusting God should make us more willing to act on His word. Open the Bible, give Him your attention, and follow what you learn. Pray for the person whose faith is weak, then offer encouragement. Ask for wisdom, then accept instruction that challenges you. We should never promise an outcome God has not promised, but we have plenty He has promised to trust. The Father who tells us to seek Him deserves prayers filled with expectation and lives that show we believe Him.