Unanswered prayers. Have you ever had to deal with them?

I think we all have.

Let’s start off by looking at an example from the Bible—Abraham.

Abraham knew about God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations. But while waiting for God’s promise to come to pass, Abraham made his own plans, just in case God’s promise did not come through. Don’t we all keep a backdoor open just in case God’s answer does not arrive in our time?

After following his plan B, Abraham prayed to God and asked Him to let Ishmael be the promised heir, “And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” (Genesis 17:18, ESV)

Abraham’s prayer remained unanswered because it was not in harmony with God’s word and plan. Ishmael was not God’s promise to Abraham, but Israel was. Ishmael was the result of Abraham’s self-effort, but Israel was going to be the gift of God’s grace to Abraham.

How often do we pray and expect God to answer in a certain way and when His answer does not come in our time and way, we think He did not hear us?

Often.

The truth is that God hears every word we pay, but God is a good God and even though the desires of our hearts are important to Him, He will not allow our requests if it will harm us or His plan for our lives. Yes, our words and actions may delay God’s promises to come to pass as our words have power, but God’s Word always prevails in the end.

When God does not answer our prayers we should be thankful and have joy as He is helping us. He may prevent harm from coming our way. We can stand in the knowing that the reason God is not giving us what we want is because He has something better in store for us, even though it might just take a little while longer than expected.

Instead of worrying how and when God is going to answer your prayer, rest in the knowledge that He heard you and that He will give you what is good in His way and in His time.

Let’s pray.

Lord Jesus, I know Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts and that Your plans are higher than my plans. Sometimes my prayers remain unanswered and if I am honest I probably know deep down it is not according to Your plan for my life. There are times when I do not always understand why I do not get the answers I want, but help me to rest in the knowing that You let all things work out for my good and that Your plan for my life is good.

Lord, your plans will prevail, Your Word tells me about it in so many places and yet I still try and do things my own way. Forgive me and lead me into Your path. Lead me to a life where there is less of me and more of You. It might be a rocky road at times, but I know it will be a road that leads to the best possible view over my life.

Lord help me to surrender to You the Ishmaels I have created for myself and thank you for the Israels that You have lined up for me. I rest in knowing that You are in control and Your love for me never changes. Nothing can separate me from Your love, not even my own will and ways. I pray this in Jesus’ mighty Name, Amen.