For most people, patience doesn’t come easy. Our human nature is to grow impatient when we wait for long periods of time. We pray to God when life throws hurricanes in our direction. We pray for answers. We pray for guidance. We pray because we know God is there. We pray because we know prayer is effective. We know the power of God’s timing. But, what happens when we don’t receive immediate answers?
We begin to question God. We doubt whether He is listening. We doubt whether He really cares. This is devil’s strategy, folks. He wants you to doubt everything you know about God. Satan will wedge himself in the middle of your and God’s relationship.
When your prayers are not answered immediately, do not doubt God, but rather reflect on your prayer.
Are you listening to God?
It is so easy to get caught up in life. Social media is a huge distraction. We spend more time on our phones, computers, iPads than we do in prayer with God. We are busy with school, our job, our sorority, and our families. So, are you listening to God? Is he trying to answer your prayer, but you are not listening? Are you distracted by world? His ears are open to our prayer, but are your ears open?
Are you in denial of your answered prayer?
It’s a hard pill to swallow when God doesn’t give us the answer we want. This is when we have to trust that His plan is better. His plan is far greater than anything we could fathom. Maybe you were denied your dream job and you ask God, “Why?” In your head, this would be the best job. It is good pay. It has an accommodating schedule. It is perfect. But, God said no because He has a plan. He has a job that is bigger and better. We cannot reject or deny our answered prayers. Accept them and remind yourself that God is good. He is good all the time. Far better things lie ahead of you when God says no.
Is it the right timing?
God’s timing is perfect. After all, God is the creator of time. Just because you do not receive an answer right away, does not mean He is not listening, but rather saving his response for the right time. Don’t sink into Satan’s spell and doubt God. Trust his timing. Know that He is in control. He is not always going to spit answered prayers back at us. It is how life goes and waiting for God's wisdom and guidance depends our relationship with Him.
Are you praying selfish prayers?
If we have been praying for months maybe years, without an answer from God, we need to reevaluate our prayer. Ask yourself, “Am I praying a selfish prayer?” God is not going to provide you with the biggest house, coolest car and an unending amount of money. God provides you the things you need, not the things you want. It doesn't make sense for God to provide us with things that are ultimately bad for us, when he is the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Remind yourself that when God doesn’t answer your prayers it doesn’t mean He isn’t there. It doesn’t mean He isn’t listening. It doesn't mean He doesn’t care. He is reminding us to be patient. Be patient. Trust his timing. Seek His kingdom. Don't fall into Satan's strategy of doubt. God will give you guidance. God will give you answers. Just be patient.
