We have all had those times when we feel as if our prayers are going unanswered. It seems we are knocking at heavens door, but no one is home. We are lifting our prayers, but the ceilings seem to block anyone from hearing. It appears the heavens are brass, God is not listening and we are all but ready to give up.
I am sure I heard a resounding “Amen” this morning. It is true we have all been there at some point in our life. Some listening may be in that spot even now.
I have a word for you today: Hold on; do not stop; your answer may just be around the corner.
Jesus said:
“Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 HCSB)
Three things to consider:
First, keep praying. It is through delayed answers we are challenged to hone our request. We refine our prayer, redefine our request, reexamine the reason for the prayer and refocus on what we desire for God to do.
Secondly, keep trusting. God does love you and wants the best for you. It may be God desires a more intimate, deeper, closer relationship with you. He is drawing out of your faith a deeper reliance and more solid trust in Him which brings a more heart pounding sense of gratitude, love and humility. You will benefit spiritually, as He gives grace for the time of unanswered prayer.
“He gives greater grace. Therefore He says, ‘God resist the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6)
It is this trust…this faith, that pleases God.
“Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
Thirdly, keep obeying. Someone wrote, “Obedience is the outward expression of our love for God, rewarded by His revelation of Himself, showing that His will is best. When we have an obedience problem, we have a love problem.”
Jesus said:
“If you love me, you will obey what I command. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.” (John 14:15, 24)
When we obey God, we are revealing what we believe about God. Obedience determines whether we will experience the work of God in and through our lives. As we obey God, it will also determine whether we will come to know Him more intimately.
Delayed prayer may be the result of disobedience within the life of the believer. It may be that God desires an action on your part which will allow Him to give something you desire which will send you to the next level of your relationship with Him.
While these three things are considered, as prayers appear to be unanswered, know that God desires for you to know His heart. He does want to hear from you, but He also desires to speak to you. He wants to reveal His heart.
Babbi Mason, a wonderful singer from Atlanta Georgia, wrote a song many years ago. It is a song that has had a lasting impact on my life. In the song, the line which speaks to me when life does not make sense, when prayers do not appear to have an answer, and when I cannot see what He is doing…
“When you can’t trace His hand; trust His heart.”
“Dear Father, help us trust You even when we do not feel You hear our pleas. May we hold on to the facts You have given us both in Word and through experience. For You are God-You will not leave us and You will not forsake us. You are our only hope. I the name of Your Son we pray, Amen.”