Far too often, individuals seeking God's help in their lives, treat Him as if he were some sort of fortune-telling machine, or phony psychic on a late-night television show.
I'm not saying we shouldn't seek God's help or advice. In fact, it is encouraged to do so (Psalm 72:12; Proverbs 19:20-21). But there is a correct way to do it. Our petitions should always be submitted with godly wisdom and prayer.
Time and time again people have said that they've tried this, but God never responded back to them. They felt ignored, perhaps even abandoned by God during their time of need (James 4:3).
Does that mean that God is giving you the cold shoulder? No! Is He not taking your prayers seriously? Of course, He does! Sadly, some become discouraged and "give up" because there is no immediate response.
God never plays cruel games with us, especially during challenging times. I can assure you that your prayers have been heard (Psalm 139:4; 1 John 5:14-15; 1 Peter 3:12). But He will respond in his own timing, and not always in the way we desire.
Sometimes our prayer requests go unanswered. This doesn't mean that God didn't accept it. He alone makes the decision whether it is in our best interest to respond now, or later. If it isn't something good for us, or His glory, it may not be answered at all.
There may be other factors impacting our prayers for help. For example, any unconfessed sins, not walking in the Spirit, hypocrisy and unbelief, etc., can negatively affect prayers. Purge these things as soon as possible!
Additionally, God can use unanswered prayer to test and grow our faith. If we always get our way, we will never mature and flourish spiritually. Yes, it's easy to simply quit and walk away, but what if your prayer was just about to be answered?
The application of prayer to God when we need his help is never a waste of time or effort. In truth, the faithful submission of our prayers is pleasing to Him, and it lets Him know that we need and love him (Hebrews 4:16).
It is never wrong to pray to God. It reinforces that we should be walking in His ways, and not our own. To pray in faith, without ceasing, demonstrates that you and I are living according to His will. And that, is always a good thing! (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Scripture: 1 John 5:14; John 15:7; Jude 1:20; Jeremiah 33:3; Romans 12:12
Prayer: "In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears." - Psalm 18:6
Grace and blessings,
Margot
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