In the thousands of years that have passed, there has indeed been great advancements in the manner that people conduct trade or business. Long ago, when the monetary system was somewhat primitive, goods of comparable value were simply exchanged or bartered. For example, fur would sometimes be exchanged for food in some parts of the world. Time also came when people would carry in their person small or large pouches of gold or silver. Today, however, you and I can choose to carry thousands, maybe even millions all in one thin ATM or credit card.

It is because of these electronic credit systems that e-commerce has become a possibility. By simply logging on to one of the numerous internet stores from anywhere across the globe, you can now shop online using your credit card. Simply choose an item, encode your credit card number in the specified field and there you go. All you need to do is wait for your package to be delivered.

However, though this may prove to be convenient for some, the rest of us may still have problems with this modern concept. The problem basically is one of trust.

"I don't feel right buying something I haven't examined personally, from a salesman I haven't even seen! How will I know I'm actually gonna get what I've paid for?"

The answer to that is simply one of faith. You' re just gonna have to trust the company you' re buying the item from and the payment systems that are being employed.

"Now I don't know about that. That sounds too risky for me."

Well, you know what, it does sound risky, especially when you really don't understand what goes on. But when you take the time to understand how it all works. When you take the time to inquire about the security systems, privacy policies, and delivery managements that are employed by the company, perhaps your faith will grow.

The same thing has to do with our prayer life and the doubts that we sometimes face when we come before the presence of our God in prayer.

"How will I know whether or not the Lord will really answer my prayers?"

Friend, it all comes by faith in who He is, what He is able to do, the love He has for His children, and the access that we have to God in Christ Jesus.

When we begin to understand more about His will and the grace that He has given us in Christ Jesus, our trust in the system of prayer will begin to grow. See, prayer is not easy for a lot people, especially for those who have but a little understanding about God. This is why seeking His will in a personal relationship with Him should be our first step.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. - 1John 5:14-15 (NKJV)

When we grow in understanding of God our faith will grow as well. And when that happens, we can approach prayer in much greater confidence. Knowing, that just like any online purchase, the package may take some time to deliver, however, our claim to it is assured.

Believe and you will receive.