Why Isn’t God Answering Me ?
Time in prayer is the most important thing we can do in our relationship with God. We recently spent time talking about prayer and how to create a deeper connection with the Lord during our quiet time. However, what happens when you don’t get answers to those prayers? Why does it sometimes seem as though God is not listening to anything we are saying? Unfortunately not all prayer is equal. Not everyone gets rewarded. It takes hard work and diligence. Are you willing to put in the time and effort to see your desires and prayers answered?
In recent years, society has adopted the policy that everyone gets a trophy and everyone gets a star. We are teaching our children that no matter how little you work at something, you will be rewarded. This mentality is not realistic in the adult world and certainly does not apply to our prayer life. In most situations, the people working hard, challenging themselves, and striving for excellence are the ones who see the greatest reward. Our prayer life is exactly the same. Not all prayers are equal. The prayers of a faithful heart filled with joy and a desire to seek God, will hear His voice more readily than that of someone sitting idly by just waiting for the miracle. It takes consistent, daily prayer filled with faith and true belief. It takes hard work. Lack of effort and desire to seek Him can sometimes cause us not to hear our prayers being answered.
If you are full of doubt and unbelief, this will also hinder the effectiveness of your prayers. Many times, this is a big obstacle for people and one of the reasons that your prayers may be going unanswered. God only moves in our lives according to our faith. In Matthew 21: 21-22, Jesus says “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” When you mix your prayers with faith and believe without a doubt in Him, whatever you ask, you will receive! We must stand firm in the knowledge that God is for us and that by faith, we will be victorious.
Even when you are praying and don’t see the results immediately you have to stay the course. “ Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1 Do not give up on your prayers. Ask, seek and knock until you are answered. Pray for unwavering faith and for firm belief in all things you are petitioning the Lord for. Sometimes you may see God do something different than what you were expecting. The results are not what you thought or hoped for. In these times you can not let the change of course affect you. James 1: 5-7 says If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” Do not get tossed by the waves and let the wind cast you out of faith when things don’t follow your plan. God’s path may be different, but if you are seeking Him, you can trust in the direction.
There are other stumbling blocks that can affect your communication and prayers with God. We will be continuing to discuss some of those obstacles over the next few weeks. I pray that this week you are encouraged to be persistent and diligent in your prayer time. Continue to have faith in all that you ask of God and cast out all doubt and unbelief. Stand firm in the knowledge that His love for you is never ending and the blessings He has for you are abundant.
Until next time remember,
Stay Calm and Be Empowered.
