Answers to Prayer

Answers to Prayer

There is no such thing as an “unanswered” prayer.  People who feel God did not answer their prayers usually discover they simply did not like the answer they received.  There are three answers to prayers: Yes, No and Wait.  Each response requires a different attitude and set of actions from us. 

When God says, “Yes,” we jump with joy.  It feels like magic.  We prayed and got what we wanted in the first place.  Yeah!  Go God!  However, it would be nice if things were indeed that simple.  The answer, “Yes,” leads to a set of questions, which in turn necessitates further action.  First, do we thank Almighty God for His steadfast love and enduring grace?  Second, we consider how we may further honor and glorify Him through the success of our prayer?  What is God’s purpose in answering our prayer? 

How can we continually fulfill His will in our lives?  How does this achievement fit into God’s overall plan for my life?  Third, do I additionally discern, accept and to live within God’s will?  How does this positive response to my prayers additionally prepare me to build the kingdom of God?  Then, we govern ourselves according to the supplemental answers that we receive.  Essentially, God says “Yes” when it furthers His purposes and plans. 

The answer, “No,” is extremely frustrating to say the least.  It is particularly hard to receive a negative answer when you conclude you have done the rights things.  You purposely avoid pitfalls and weaknesses as you prepare for a favorable response.  Perhaps, you even read more scripture and prayed many more minutes than usual.  Yet, God unequivocally says, “No.”  After we pump some air into our deflated egos, we can evaluate the various reasons for a negative reply. 

Fundamentally, “No” means God has something better for us.  Because He is the Grand Architect of the universe and the superlative orchestrator of life’s minute details, God knows why a denial of our prayer is in our best interest.  There is something better for us.  Quite possibly, we probably would not be happy if He were to reverse Himself and grant our wish.  God knows what truly gives us joy and brings peace.  Our limited view sometimes leads us to jump when we should exercise caution.  In saying “No,” God spares us a lot of pain and agony.  His refusal is not the sadistic response of a dictator who relishes his unlimited power.  God’s denial is the loving response of a caring parent whose wisdom exceeds the knowledge and wishful thinking of an immature child. 

There are two helpful replies to the answer, “No.”  Ironically, we should be as grateful for negative reply as we are for positive ones.  God is protecting us from ourselves.  Secondly, we find any lessons.  “No” means we are missing something.  What is it?  What more do we need to learn?

Some people detest waiting.  Our fast food, overnight express and internet society make waiting very difficult.  We are willing to pay extra for immediate gratification of our desires.  But, the spiritual realm does not operate on such a schedule.  There are times when God forces us to wait!  His perfect details have not fallen into place.  Behind the scenes, He arranges matters so that they fit perfectly in order to accomplish His will.  Construction always takes more time than expected.   As a consequence, we heed the words of the Psalmist who encourages us to wait patiently for the Lord.

In the spirit world, waiting is not an exercise in futility or idleness.  It is a time of inner preparation.  As we wait, God burns off the dross of personal willfulness.  The Holy Spirit infuses us with the revelation and strength to accept a forthcoming positive answer.  Why should God say, “Yes” if we are not ready?  Hardly any thoughtful parent would give a car to an immature and unprepared adolescent.  Similarly, God makes us take another lap in the wilderness so our willfulness may die.  Additionally, God provides us with the opportunity to build our character in His image.  TIME is an acronym for “Things I Must Earn.”  As we learn the lessons or life, we are best prepared to receive the joys of life.  Isaiah 40:28-31 reminds us that waiting is really a process of renewal.