Have you ever been frustrated because it seems as though your prayers aren’t being answered? Even the most devout Christian has gone through a season where she has felt that her prayers have gone unheard.
However, the truth is that our prayers are always answered, we just may not like the answer that God gives.
Isaiah 65:24 says “Before you call I will answer, while you are still speaking, I will hear.”
We can have peace in knowing that God is hearing our prayers but let us walk through six possible reasons why our prayers are not being answered in the way that we want them to be.
Reason #1: We worry instead of praying.
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55: 22)
We spend more time worrying about the situation instead of meditating on God’s promises. Other times we put our energy into complaining and gossiping about our troubles instead of bringing the issue directly to God.
Worrying cannot do anything for you or your situation except make it worse. Cast your cares on the Lord through prayer.
Reason #2: We are disobedient.
Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. (1 John 3:21)
We have to be honest with ourselves. How many times have we prayed for God to bless our romantic relationship while in the midst of being sexually active outside of marriage?
How many times have we prayed for a financial breakthrough yet we refuse to tithe or help others in need?
How many times have we begged God to “fix” a situation that He has already told us to remove ourselves from but we don’t want to listen?
If we know we are right with the Lord, it gives us more confidence in prayer and faith that God will answer.
Reason #3: We don’t believe.
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:3)
When we truly believe something our actions align with it because we expect it to happen. That is why James tells us that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-17).
Sometimes we pray for God to come through but we don’t expect him to. Because of this, we always have a Plan B. We don’t always believe that God has our backs so we take matters into our own hands.
If we pray for something our actions should show that we are expecting the answer to come.
Reason #4: Our prayers don’t align with God’s will.
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives. (James 4:3)
We must admit that sometimes we pray with selfish motives and God does not honor those prayers.
We pray to be with men who do not want to commit to us because we are only thinking of ourselves. We pray to win the lottery, but have no plan to help the less fortunate.
Prayer is not designed for us to manipulate God or other people into doing whatever we want, but it is designed to bring God’s will on earth.
The key is to make sure that you are so in tune with God that your desires align with His will for your life.
Reason #5: We have not been patient.
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:25)
Prayers should be seen as seeds. When we plant a seed we do not expect it to grow overnight.
We understand that plants take time to grow and require daily care. It is the same with our prayers. We should nurture our prayers daily with thanksgiving and praise.
We cannot get discouraged and give up on our prayers or they will become like the plant that was never watered and dies.
Did you see yourself in any of these examples? If so, do not be discouraged! Thank God that in His grace he has shown you an area for growth!
The Lord our God is a good father and he wants to answers our prayers with a resounding yes, but we must respect Him enough to ask according to His will and to be patient, obedient, expectant and trust that all will be well.
- 3 Ways Christian Women Should Prepare For Marriage - May 25, 2021
- 5 Ways to Pray Powerful Prayers For Your Marriage - February 19, 2021
- 4 Biblical Truths For Singles Who Desire To Be Married - February 3, 2017
