God’s Timing Stinks: Why Doesn’t He Answer My Prayers?
Let me start this post by reiterating, I love God. I’ve committed my life to Him. I’ve committed my career to Him. HOWEVER, even with all that love and devotion, sometimes I still don’t understand Him.
Do you ever feel like God isn't answering your prayers?
It seems at times like I have devoted large chunks of my life to praying for a particular thing. Many times my request is not granted. Put another way; God said NO.
To be fair, I know and recognize God isn't a genie. I realize that there will be some "No's" mixed in with the "yes's," but it can be hard to understand when we pray so fervently for something why God *seemingly* does not respond.
The Bible offers us a few thoughts on why and how God chooses to answer our prayers.
1. It isn't the right time.
Many times God seems silent when, in reality, he has already answered. The answer is wait. Being one of the most impatient people God has ever created, this one can be a tough pill to swallow personally. God promises us that he will always be with us. That's true even when He seems silent. God can see the bigger picture and will always guide us towards something good for us, even if his timing seems off to us in the moment.
“6 for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble.”
2. God's plan for what you need might be different than yours.
What is it you've been praying for hardest recently? Is it a new job? Maybe improved health? Perhaps a new relationship? Why wouldn't God grant those things? They are certainly within his power.
What if you found out that the new job you would get would be toxic for your spiritual health? What if you found out that new relationship you've wanted would turn abusive?
Unfortunately, those kinds of things happen every day. God knows the future. Many times a "no" from God is simply his way of protecting us.
Just because something makes us happy doesn't mean it's good for us spiritually. God ALWAYS has our eternal best in mind.
3. Are you asking in faith?
You might be wondering how faith has anything to do with how we approach God in prayer? The Bible paints a clear picture that these two things are connected. Our faith is our trust and connection to God and our willingness to put our belief into action.
The Bible says if we try to pray without faith, God simply won't answer our prayer.
“6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
“5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.”
4. God has something better for you!
This is my favorite reason for why God says "no" and thankfully is very often the case. God knows exactly what we need and want because of that he doesn't want us to settle; God sometimes says no or closes a door because He has something better for us already lined up.
Being told "no" is never easy to hear. My prayer is that as you pray and talk to God if the answer appears to be a "no," you will consider some of these reasons and remember that God ALWAYS has your success and best interest at heart.