1 Peter 3:12-13(NLT)
“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”
The kind of knowledge and instruction that is found in 1 Peter is not the kind that is typically taught in grade school, but instead, we learn it from the Word of God. It’s a deeper understanding that is rooted in divine truth and spiritual wisdom. It is instruction that guides us to live in a way that honors God, so that we can remain blessed with His provision and protection. As the Apostle Peter teaches, God watches over those who live according to His Will and does what is right in His eyes. He listens to the prayers of those who align their lives with His ways. This reveals an important truth: there is a specific way to live; a way that is in harmony with God’s instructions.
In John 14:6 (NLT), Jesus Christ declared: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” What he’s saying to us is that he is the only path to a relationship with our Heavenly Father. When He says, “I am the way,” He’s telling us that he’s the one and only route to salvation and eternal life with God. It’s not through our good deeds, our own efforts, or any other religion or philosophy. It’s through Jesus alone, and as John 1:14 informs us, he is the living Word of God who perfectly fulfills God’s Will.
It’s a mistake to believe that people can come into God’s presence without the humility we find in the example of Christ. It shouldn’t be a news flash to us that everybody’s prayer isn’t going to get through. Our prayers may go unanswered if we are not focused on living in accordance with God’s Word. The Bible makes it clear that God does not hear the prayers of those who disobey Him continually. They live in rebellion or disregard for His commands. We are informed in 1 Peter 3:12 that God listens to the righteous, or people who make an effort to live in accordance with His Will. We cannot expect to be blessed by God or have our prayers answered if we are not living in accordance with His instructions. The foundation of our union with Him through Christ is obedience, trust, and a desire for holiness. If these are absent in our hearts, we are unable to hear His voice and enjoy the fullness of His blessings.
The key is to seek God’s presence by living an obedient life that reflects His truth, knowing that He hears and answers the prayers of those who do. When our heart is set to please God this way, we can be confident that God honors our prayers. 1 John 5:14 (NLT) reminds us: “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.” Our Heavenly Father is attentive to the prayers of those who seek to honor Him, and when our desires are aligned with His Will, He responds to our hearts’ desires.
This is not saying that we have to be perfect. Philippians 1:6 (NLT) reassures us, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” God’s truth is calling upon us to know and understand that He has equipped us through Jesus Christ to love Him with all of our being. This love is what He expects to see not just in our hearts, but in our actions as well.
When we get right down to it, many of us are trying to pursue marriage and partnership without honoring God by being obedient to His Word. Marriage is sacred to our Heavenly Father, and we can’t do it without Him. The foundation of a strong, godly relationship begins with having strong fellowship and communion with our Creator. If we are not living in accordance with His truth, how can we expect His blessings toward our pursuit of a marital union?
Jesus Christ tells us in Matthew 6:33 (NLT), “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” This is the foundation of a lasting partnership—seeking God first, making Him the center of our lives. It’s achieved by living according to His commandments and striving to reflect His love in our actions. That’s when we can build a marriage that isn’t just strong, but one that mirrors God’s glory, and is able to withstand the challenges life throws our way. When we include God in every decision and follow His guidance, our marriage can be a living testament to His love and faithfulness. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Not Without God”, written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.