BGEA: I'm about to give up on God. I've prayed and prayed for Him to take away my problems, but nothing has changed. Why doesn't God do something? I thought He was supposed to care about us.

I'm about to give up on God. I've prayed and prayed for Him to take away my problems, but nothing has changed. Why doesn't God do something? I thought He was supposed to care about us. — P.R.

God does care about us - far more than we will ever imagine. Even when we forget Him or ignore Him, He does not forget us or ignore us, because His love for us is everlasting. The Bible says, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever" (Psalm 106:1).

Why, then, doesn't He take our problems away when we ask Him? I've pondered this question most of my life, and to be honest I don't have an answer that covers every situation. God sees the whole picture; we see only a part. Someday we will understand, when we see Jesus in heaven - but until then, the Bible says, "We live by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).

But I do know this: Often God answers our prayers not by taking our problems away, but by giving us the strength and wisdom to deal with them. Yes, when problems arise we all wish they'd just go away - but sometimes God wants us to turn to Him and instead ask Him for the strength to stand up under them. And when we do, He has promised to grant it. The Apostle Paul said, "I can do everything through him (Christ) who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

May this be your experience as you turn your life over to Jesus Christ and trust your problems into His care. God loves you; He loves you so much that He sent His Son into the world to make you part of His family forever. Put your trust in Him today.

3 Comments

whocares says 4.13.2013, 7:43 p.m.

everyday i dream of suicide. ... From BGEA staff: We are very concerned that you have considered suicide, and we urge you not to take this drastic, final step. God loves you and wants what is best for you. He has a future for you -- both on this earth and in eternity. Remember that you are important to Him. He says, “You are precious to me . . . and I love you” (Isaiah 43:4). The very reason Jesus Christ came to earth to offer Himself in sacrifice is so that we might have life in all its fullness. It is His desire that we are set free from depression, fear, frustration and hurt so that we might experience this abundant life. Thoughts of taking your life do not come from God but from Satan. Jesus said, “The thief's (Satan's) purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness” (John 10:10). We are warned in 1 Peter 5:8-10, “Be careful -- watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord. . . . He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever." Give all your problems to Jesus and “cast all your anxiety on Him” (1 Peter 5:7). Then center your attention upon His love for you and His wonderful plan for your life. Rest in the assurance that Jesus will “never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). God wants to help you if you will let Him, and so do others. By yourself you may feel helpless, but with Christ’s help there is hope for tomorrow. He can bring good out of even the toughest situations. We urge you to begin by giving your life over to Jesus Christ. Then share your problems with a pastor or with someone else who can help you and encourage you. You can also call 1-877-247-2426 to talk to someone. We just said a prayer for you and will continue praying.

Stephaniet says 9.25.2012, 8:40 p.m.

I have felt that way sometimes but I think about my family and think that the more I pray and have faith in him the more prayers he will answer.

Sherry says 4.11.2012, 7:01 p.m.

I has always been told that God wont give you anything you cant take. Well... I have reached the end of my rope. Everyday my life gets worse and worse. When does God start helping me? I am considering suicide. just to make all of this hurt go away.We would like to pray and provide some encouragement. Please call 1-877-247-2426 to talk and pray with someone. There are people here who care. We will continue to keep you in prayer. The BGEA Internet team.