Why Doesnt God Answer My Prayers?

I heard a story about a girl who wrote to a missionary. She'd been told not to request a response from him because missionaries are very busy. She wrote, "We are praying for you, but we are not expecting an answer."

Do you feel like God doesn't answer your prayers? Does it seem like He's not even listening? Actually, there is no such thing as an unanswered prayer. God does answer, but sometimes His answer is "no."

God is a loving parent, but His love means more than fulfilling our demands. He is not a parent who gives in to the whims of selfish children. He's not a bell hop who jumps at our command or a genie who provides everything we wish for. He's not a vending machine that spits out what we want when we push the right buttons.

Is it fair for us to run to God when we want something, but ignore Him and His laws the rest of the time? If we do not love Him, why do we expect Him to do as we command? That's like a child who rejects all his parents' teaching, and doesn't care how much his lifestyle hurts mom and dad. Yet, when he wants something, he comes running to the parents that he doesn't even care about ? just to use them when it suits him. Children often say things like, "If you love me, you'll give me what I want." That's not what love is about. Yet, we say this same thing to God, don't we?

God's ways are far above my ways, so I can't speak for Him. But I'm sure that it's just as difficult for Him to watch His children suffer as it is for us to stand by while our little ones are hurting. Sometimes even love must say, "No." Just as the pain of surgery is necessary to help a patient, emotional pain is sometimes necessary in our lives.

There is also the issue of free choice. Many of our grown children make deplorable choices. Sometimes, parents bail their kids out when they get into bad situations. But that sort of aid is often not helpful. It only enables children to continue in the destructive lifestyle. They know they will be rescued when the going gets tough. If they don't have to face the consequences of their behavior, why should they change? The same is true of all God's children. If He gave us everything we wanted, rewarding us for going against His wishes, what motivation would there be for us to live the way He wants us to? Would we even care about His wishes or feelings?

It's also possible that what we interpret to be an answer of "no" from God may just be Him telling us to wait a while. He is the creator, we're the creation. He's the potter, we're the clay. (Isaiah 64:8) Can the clay tell the potter what to do or when to do it? (Isaiah 29:16 and 45:9 )

There are three things I know for sure:

1) God loves me.

2) He has all knowledge, so He knows what's best.

3) He has all power and can do anything. When I put those three things together (He can do anything, He loves me, and He knows what is best), then I am able to trust His decisions and His timing, whether they make sense to me or not.

Whether His answer to prayer is a "yes," a "no," or a "wait," I need to let God answer in His own time, in His own way.

Author Marsha Jordan is founder of a nonprofit charity called Hugs and Hope for Sick Children (http://www.hugsandhope.org). More of her articles on depression are in her book, Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter, a compilation of encouraging essays illustrated with drawings by critically ill children. Jordan's wit makes this compilation of essays a fun read. It's a must-have book you'll want by your bedside. So dust off the night stand, make a spot for it, and buy a copy for yourself as well as one for a friend who needs encouragement and a good laugh. Other essays in the book include, "More Than I Can Handle," "Ten Tips For Beating Depression," and "What Did I Do To Deserve This?" Order the book or learn more at http://www.hugsandhope.org/book.htm

---

How Should We Pray?

Many Christians often wonder, "How should we pray?"I'm going to... Read More

Praying Effectively ? Understanding How To Pray Part 2

In our last study, we looked at understanding prayer. In... Read More

The Afterlife and Scientology

AFTERLIFE: The 'Bardol Thodol' and 'Sidpa Thodol' of the Tibetan... Read More

Josephs Life?a Series of Coincidences

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the... Read More

Rebuilding Society and The Tax Protest Movement: Part Two

Part Two continuedThe Christian's duty of paying taxes even extends... Read More

The New Urban Christian

Who are these new Urban Christians? What's up with the... Read More

All Knowledge and Wisdom Comes Direct From God

These next set of verses are the heart and soul... Read More

Fellowship Forever

Today I would like to share with you the word... Read More

Amy Grant Cashes in Once Again on Jesus Coat-Tails

Jesus made her famous, now Amy Grant cashes in one... Read More

Become Enlightened

The other day I had a meeting on the web... Read More

Connect These Dots: Unilateral Withdrawal, Egypt, Collapse of the South Wall, Raised Taxes and the..

There is a prophetic mosaic that few have attempted to... Read More

Following In the Masters Footsteps

In these interesting times of change, millions of people the... Read More

Your Mission Field At Work

One point many Christian Working Moms who have been interviewed... Read More

Not Just Hearing the Word

Welcome to the website: All about Jesus, I hope you... Read More

For Those Who Cannot Speak For Themselves: My Own Abortion Story

(Parental discretion advised)Please forgive me if you find any part... Read More

Real Nobility And Gods Love

Real nobility feeds on its own intrinsic value, as a... Read More

A Powerful Word For Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones

For what it is worth, I'd thought I'd pass this... Read More

The Oldest Concept in History

I find it funny that one of the oldest concepts... Read More

The Emmaus Journal ~ What Kingdom Are You Looking For?

The Emmaus Journal What Kingdom Are You Looking For?The awe... Read More

As The Storm Clouds Gather

Revelation 20:8-20:9 Jesus warned us of a time of great... Read More

Consider, The Past, Present and Future?

Consider the past. A time when we were prosperous and... Read More

Where is God?

Where is God? This is the question most often heard... Read More

Catholic Voters Need to Rethink Morality

If Catholic doctrine calls for the sanctity of all human... Read More

Religion has Served Its Usefulness for Mankind

As the world becomes closer and closer together, there seems... Read More

Religious Tolerance and the Internet

The internet is a great resource of information on all... Read More

Is Christianity Losing America?

2 Thessalonians 1:3-1:4Is Christianity Losing America? The apostasy of the... Read More

Housing Katrina Victims!

Information many have been looking for!On Franklin Graham's website for... Read More

Loyola the Luciferian

Ignatius Loyola ? Luciferian or Heliopolitan:I kid you not! Lucifer... Read More

Let Her Be Covered Part Four

Again, let's call attention to our text: "Let her be... Read More

Calling

Some may ask what is a calling and what shall... Read More

A Comparison of ISLAM and CHRISTIANITY

Hi,(Salaam to You: Peace be Upon you) (What a great... Read More

Islamic World Domination

The question is not whether terrorism is now a world-wide... Read More

Early Spring Cleaning

Has anyone noticed how fast 2004 is going? Hey, we... Read More