Why Isn’t God Answering Me ?
Part 3
Praying without hearing God’s answer can be frustrating. It happens to all of us at some time or another. It can often be confusing as you wonder why you can’t get anything through to your Father in heaven. Over the past few weeks we have tackled some of the reasons why these obstacles happen and what you can do to remove them from your life. The things we have been discussing are within your control to change. Lack of faith, unrepented sin in your life, poor relationships, and disregard for God’s Word are active challenges you can tackle. However, there is also something out of our control that may be the reason why you aren’t hearing God answer your prayers.
Satan is an active force upon the earth and he can and will try to block your communication with the Lord. Even the apostle Paul encountered the enemy as he tells us in 1 Thessalonians 2:18 “ Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.” You have to be aware of satan and his plan to destroy you and hinder your prayers. If the enemy is at work in your life, trying to keep you from blessings and promises, he will attack you from all directions. This includes your prayer life. We also see in the book of Daniel, where an angel was detained by satan. “Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.’ –Daniel 10:12-13. Even angels themselves battle satan and his plans to destroy God’s children. God heard Daniel’s prayers immediately and quickly answered him. But the devil got in the way and delayed the angel for 21 days! That is a long time to go without hearing from God.
When your answers to prayer are delayed, you must keep believing in God for your miracle. You have to remain faithful and diligent. Search your heart for things in your life that you can address. If you are lined up with Him and are firmly abiding in the Word, there could be dark forces working against your answers. Many times we don’t want to speak of the devil or think about how he can affect our lives. But the truth is he is out there in full force. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. There are situations and circumstances happening that are out of your control. You have to recognize them and respond accordingly. You have to respond with perseverance and faith. Verse 6 in Ephesians continues on to say “ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Ephesians 6:13-16 It is in standing firm upon God’s word that we defeat satan. As we wait patiently for our answer and for the battle to cease, we have to be confident in His promises to us and what His word tells us. The shield of faith is a powerful weapon against the enemy. No matter how long it may appear that your blessings are being withheld, you must stand firm.
This week I want to encourage you to keep your faith strong. Do not lose heart and give up. Know that God has already heard your prayers and He has sent angels to help. Stand firm upon His word and continue to seek Him as you wait for the blessing.
Until Next Time,
Stay Calm and Be Empowered.
