This occurs to many, if not all of us at one time or another. We pray to God, then we wait...and wait...and wait for something, anything. But nothing comes. Dead silence. We begin to feel lost, guilty, afraid. Then, if it goes on long enough, we start to feel angry.
We've done everything we're supposed to do, correct? We pray consistently, never miss church, give to the poor, feed the hungry, yet God isn't saying anything about anything. Where is He?
There's a couple of things wrong with this scenario. Right off the bat, we are doing in order to get something in return. "Why isn't God listening to me? I'm doing what I am supposed to be doing, aren't I?" Have you forgotten? God doesn't need our efforts in order to be straight with Him. He has already taken care of us. He gives his grace and mercy freely. No strings attached.
New Testament grace indicates very specifically God's redemptive love, which is always active to save us and to keep us in relationship with Him. He loves us unconditionally. He asks nothing in return for His love. Thankfully accept His gift, and keep moving along.
Another thing wrong here is impatience. "Why isn't He getting back to me? What's taking so long? Wah-wah wah!" God isn't like a McDonald's drive-thru. You drive up, place your order, drive forward to the window, pay, and Boom! You're on your way. Wrong! God hears our prayers. That is a no-brainer. It's just that He doesn't do things this way. Trust me, no, trust Him!
He takes each of our petitions very seriously. No prayer is too little, or too big for Him. There is no timeline for His response, all are carefully considered. There is only one thing that we can do: wait. The silence, or what you might think as being "blown-off" by God is anything but. He's isn't petty like you or I can be.
His answer to you will come, just sit tight. It might come today, next week, or next year. No matter. He will definitely get back to you. Here's another thing. You might not like the answer you get, but deal with it. He has given you His best answer for you. He doesn't give answers according to what we want to hear. His answer is based on what He feels is in our best interest.
Whatever you do, don't keep yourself up at night trying to figure out why God does or doesn't. James Dobson says, "Clearly, unless the Lord chooses to explain Himself to us, which often He does not, His motivation and purposes are beyond the reach of mortal man. What this means in practical terms is that many of our questions - especially those that begin with the word 'why' - will have to remain unanswered for the time being."
Be happy knowing that your prayers will be answered. There is no if, or when they will be answered. They will be answered! Be patient and continue to present your requests to Him. And, whatever you do, don't stop asking! He truly wants us to approach Him in prayer. Nothing makes Him happier!
Scripture: James 4:3; Matthew 21:22; Isaiah 59:2; Mark 9:23; Hebrews 11:1
Prayer: My dear Lord, I thank You for listening to my prayers; they might not be pretty, or always the best articulated, but they are my prayers to You, just the same. You don't judge prayers by how they are asked, You lovingly receive them all as they are, and respond according to Your heart. Amen
Have a most blessed weekend!
Danielle
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