Unanswered Prayer
Few things trouble us more than what appears from our perspective to be unanswered prayer. We struggle with doubt, confusion, hurt, and even sometimes anger, when wrestling with the fact that our requests are not being fulfilled. During such times, we may feel distanced from God, alone, powerless, or perhaps even trying to figure out what we may have done that would cause God’s silence regarding our requests. The word of God encourages unrestrained asking in prayer (Matthew 7:7; John 14:14). But why are we sometimes disappointed after having asked?
First, it may be helpful to remember that we are products of the instant gratification society. We are used to getting what we want when we want it, which is usually now! Although there certainly are times when God works instantly, there are more times when He works slowly, at least from our perspective. Whenever we plant seeds in the ground to make our gardens, we understand that it takes some time before the seeds sprout into grown plants that yield produce. No doubt, there are times when God’s answer is “not now” or “wait.” The very nature of some requests prohibits instant answers. For example, when asking for God’s help in growing spiritually or overcoming temptation, it will take awhile to see the end result of the request.
The fact of God not always answering immediately is seen in Jesus’ teaching to persist when we ask (Luke 18:1-8). There is no point to this passage if God always answers instantaneously. Jesus tells us to not give up, but rather to keep asking. You may pray for someone to overcome an addiction, or for a lost soul to come to Jesus for salvation, and it may take some time for these kinds of things to happen, but don’t give up.
Secondly, we need to realize that some things we ask for may not be in our best spiritual interests. We may ask for things that would hurt or corrupt us spiritually. We don’t always see things from God’s perspective. We are often short sighted and ignorant of what the future may hold. Whenever our will is in line with His, is when we are most likely to receive the desires of our heart. Also, we need to realize that sometimes a “no” or “wait” from God may be a blessing in disguise. Don’t forget that there are countless times when God has answered our prayers. We shouldn’t allow ourselves to forget all the blessings God has given us by being overly concerned with an apparent unanswered request.
Thirdly, we need to recognize that prayer changes us. Whenever we spend meaningful time with God in prayer, our spirits are changed for the better. Sometimes the very motive that leads us into prayer causes us to search our hearts in ways that leads to positive change. The exercise of prayer is not an end in itself, but it is important to recognize the benefit in praying whether or not it seems God answers every time.
First, it may be helpful to remember that we are products of the instant gratification society. We are used to getting what we want when we want it, which is usually now! Although there certainly are times when God works instantly, there are more times when He works slowly, at least from our perspective. Whenever we plant seeds in the ground to make our gardens, we understand that it takes some time before the seeds sprout into grown plants that yield produce. No doubt, there are times when God’s answer is “not now” or “wait.” The very nature of some requests prohibits instant answers. For example, when asking for God’s help in growing spiritually or overcoming temptation, it will take awhile to see the end result of the request.
The fact of God not always answering immediately is seen in Jesus’ teaching to persist when we ask (Luke 18:1-8). There is no point to this passage if God always answers instantaneously. Jesus tells us to not give up, but rather to keep asking. You may pray for someone to overcome an addiction, or for a lost soul to come to Jesus for salvation, and it may take some time for these kinds of things to happen, but don’t give up.
Secondly, we need to realize that some things we ask for may not be in our best spiritual interests. We may ask for things that would hurt or corrupt us spiritually. We don’t always see things from God’s perspective. We are often short sighted and ignorant of what the future may hold. Whenever our will is in line with His, is when we are most likely to receive the desires of our heart. Also, we need to realize that sometimes a “no” or “wait” from God may be a blessing in disguise. Don’t forget that there are countless times when God has answered our prayers. We shouldn’t allow ourselves to forget all the blessings God has given us by being overly concerned with an apparent unanswered request.
Thirdly, we need to recognize that prayer changes us. Whenever we spend meaningful time with God in prayer, our spirits are changed for the better. Sometimes the very motive that leads us into prayer causes us to search our hearts in ways that leads to positive change. The exercise of prayer is not an end in itself, but it is important to recognize the benefit in praying whether or not it seems God answers every time.
Great lesson. Just what I needed today. Thanks!
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