How to Get What You Want: Insights from John 15:7

As 2024 comes to a close and we begin to usher in the new year, many people take some time to reflect on how the previous year went and what they have planned for 2025. These resolutions typically come in the form of relationship enhancements, financial improvements, weight loss, education or vocation, to name a few. Basically, they are confessions of what you want. They are your desires.

I recently finished a study on John 15 and noticed that the Bible offers timeless wisdom on this topic, particularly in John 15:7, where Jesus says, "If you remain in Me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." Wow, that’s a powerful statement! Ask whatever I wish, and it will be done. Kind of
sounds like a genie in a bottle, doesn’t it? But not so fast. This verse isn’t a free for all, land of delusion kind of thing.

1. Abiding in Christ

See the first part of the verse says IF. IF is a conditional statement, meaning IF something, THEN something happens. In John 15:7 the conditional statement is IF you
remain in Me AND My words remain in you. . . THEN ask . . . .

What does it mean to remain in or abide in Christ? Well, obviously it means to be in close contact with or a relationship with, to align your thinking with His thinking, your desires with His desires.

So, what do we know about Christ? Well, for starters, we know He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We know He cares (Love). We know He can do all things, knows all things and is all powerful. And if we dust off our memory from back in Sunday School, we remember Moses talking with God in a burning bush where God said, “I AM who I AM.” Meaning, God is reality and the way things actually are.

So, in essence, to remain in Christ and His words (The Bible) to remain in you means to deal in truth, reality, action, knowledge, power and caring. From that mindset, ask yourself, “What do you want?”

Truthfully, what do you care about? In reality, what are you willing to take action on, to understand and put some of your power toward achieving?

Start writing things down. Make a list of whatever comes to your mind. For example, I want to be financially out of the rat race, own some lake front property and an airplane to get there.

Try and get to 100 goals or desires.

When I get stuck, instead of asking what I want, I ask myself what I DON’T want. For example, I don’t want to be unhealthy, broke, alone, angry, tired and stupid.

After you get a big, long list, reread it. What seems to pop out as most immediate, important or something you would realistically do? Then pick one or two to focus on for the next 12-weeks. Not 6 things, not 10 things, not even 3. Pick one or two to focus on and then set all the others aside. It’s not that the others aren’t important, it’s just they are not important right now. They will become more important after the 12-weeks.

These 1 or 2 desires are what you will focus on for the next 12-weeks. These desires or goals are what will motivate you to action. Motivation is in the pursuit of something, motivation is not in the achievement. For once a goal has been achieved, like running a 5k or a marathon, after the race is over it ceases to motivate. It’s done, you accomplished it.

That’s why the list of 100 is so important, when one desire is achieved, you have a ready list of new desires ready to go.

2. Letting His Words Remain in You

The second key is letting the Bible (His Words) remain in you. This means reading Scripture for yourself, dwelling on the truth, the pure wisdom and love found inside and even memorizing some favorite verses and allowing the words to guide your thoughts, actions, and decisions. The Bible becomes more than a book; it becomes the lens through which you view the world. You become transformed through renewing your mind.

When God’s word shapes your thinking, your desires begin to reflect His plans and purposes. For instance, rather than wishing solely for wealth, you may find yourself praying for wisdom as young King Solomon did, to steward resources, to lead people and judge correctly.

3. Asking in Alignment with and Understanding God’s Will

With these foundations in place—abiding in Christ and letting His words shape your mind—your prayers take on a new dimension. Jesus says, "Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." This isn’t about treating God like a genie but about asking from a place of alignment with reality and truth.

You see, you have a role to play. When God gave Israel the Promised Land, they had to go in, fight and subdue the land. Yes, God gave it to them, but they had to do something as well. It took seven years for them to subdue the land and another ten years for Joshua to settle all the people where they needed to go.

So, yes, ask and He will give you whatever you ask. But are you remaining in Him and are His words in you and just as importantly, are you willing to do what you need to do?

God will do His part, but you must also do yours.

When your desires align with God’s character and purposes, and your actions are thoughtful, wise, consistent and true, your prayers carry both authenticity and power.

God is like a loving father. I loved it when my son would come to me as a young boy to spend time, ask questions about life and even share his desires with me. Even if they were wild, crazy and illegitimate desires. I loved that he wanted to share them with me. I would ask him questions to unpack where his heart was to get behind and understand his desires.

I think that’s how God treats us. As a loving Father. Come to Him with whatever you ask. Don’t be shy; be honest and truthful. If you are concerned that your desire is
illegitimate, you can always say, “God if what I am asking for is ultimately not good for me and will not be good for You or Your glory, then please do not give it to me.”

4. Trusting God’s Timing and Methods

It’s essential to remember that God’s promises come to fruition in His time and His way. Sometimes, His answers may not look like what we expect, but they are always for our ultimate good and His glory. Trusting Him means being open to His wisdom, even when the path seems unclear and uncertain.

Conclusion: A Life of Fulfilled Desires

John 15:7 teaches us that getting what we want isn’t about rubbing the lamp of a genie or manipulating God but about transforming our mind to think more like He thinks. When we abide in Christ and allow His word to dwell within us, our desires and prayers begin to align more with His will. The result? A life marked by purpose, fulfillment, and joy in knowing that our wants are met according to His perfect plan.

So, remain in Him, let His words guide you, and watch as your life overflows with answered prayers that reflect God’s glory.