BGEA: Why doesn't God seem to answer my prayers?

Why doesn't God seem to answer my prayers?

So often we are inclined to think that the only answer God can give our prayers is "yes." We need to remember that "no" is an answer also. "No" is certainly an answer of love on the part of our Heavenly Father when we ask Him for things which are not really for our good or for His glory. God does not always give us what we want; He gives us what we need. Just as a good parent does not grant all the requests of his child, God does not answer every request in the way we desire.

When we think of "unanswered" prayer, it may be that we do not understand the way in which God responds to our requests. He may not grant an immediate answer, and sometimes our prayers are answered in a way that we fail to recognize. We pray for prosperity, and sometimes financial stress is given. But our souls are made stronger for the test. We pray for health, and affliction is given, and we are better able to sympathize with those in affliction. God makes no mistakes, though at times we may question His wisdom.

Our motive for making a request to God must be pure. If your prayer is self-centered, concerned with the gratification of your own desires, God cannot, in faithfulness, grant your requests. James 4:3 says, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."

Perhaps you are praying for a person close to you, and you have not seen any changes. God can work through your prayers to soften a heart or to bring about circumstances to draw those for whom you are praying closer to Him. However, God has given man a free will. If your prayers are not always answered as you expect, it is not because God is not working in the situation. It may be that the person for whom you are praying has not yet responded to God's call. You must not permit yourself to give in to despair. You should, however, continue in prayer, knowing that the Lord is more concerned for them than you are and that it is His will to help them; read 1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9, and 1 John 5:14-15.

2 Comments

Melissa says 12.22.2010, 01:29 a.m.

I understand what you mean, I really do. But, I've found as I've grown in the Lord that I have nothing to fear. If God knows what is best (and he DOES!) then I can rest assured that he WILL do what is best in the big picture, which he can see and I cannot. I have learned to feel safe in knowing that God has it all under control when I don't! If God gives me a "No" when I asked for a "Yes" I have slowly (through growth) learned to be happy that God had something better in mind and I have learned patience in waiting on him for the BEST answer to my prayers. At first, this was very hard for me! But, as you grow in faith, read God's word, get to know God better and set out to obey God (this is a biggie...and not easy) you can honestly learn to rejoice in any answer because you know God and how mighty he is and realize he has it all under control. I have watched answers come at the most unexpected times and from the most unexpected places and better than I could ever have imagined. I've also been at the bottom, with no place to go but up. And, like Paul, I have found that God's grace truly IS sufficient in ALL circumstances. Keep getting to know God through His Word, keep praying and be obedient. Seek to obey with all your heart...not for reward but because it is a joyful thing to please God. You will be amazed. Blessings!

Angie says 11.28.2010, 10:56 p.m.

On this same line of discussion, I find that sometimes I"m afraid to pray because when I pray for something to turn out good, it turns out bad. This happens so often that I won't pray for family and friends because I'm afraid that God will do the opposite. Anyone else?