A man prayed for his son’s epilepsy to stop. It didn’t. Years of uncontrollable seizures robbed his son of language and ability. Prayer for a deaf boy left him unchanged. A good relationship spiralled into an abusive one and, in spite of prayer, separation was the outcome.
Where is God when he doesn’t answer?
Prayer is conversation between friends. It’s not like sending an email off into cyberspace wondering if it will ever be read by someone. If we are in friendship with Jesus Christ we can be sure our prayers are heard. Fundamentally it is less about ‘getting something’ and more about ‘knowing someone.’ Our needs often propel us deeper into relationship with God.
There are times when we just need to keep going, knowing that it is not yet the end of the story. There’s an old African proverb that says, ‘No situation stays forever.’ Often perplexing situations of unanswered prayer will yield to change as we persist.
Some things don’t work out the way we wanted, but strangely work out better. And sometimes the thing prayed for would not have been good. It’s only in hindsight that we realise it. But, agonisingly, some things do not work out and we may question whether God is really there.
The answers may not be understood until eternity. This life on earth is only temporary because we are being prepared for eternity in which there is reward and judgement. It’s like a waiting room here. The next life is the real thing. The last book in the Bible has an incredible description of the future when there will be no more crying or pain. Perhaps then we will understand how close God has been throughout our life. ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’
Try telling God that you are willing to trust him – even with things that are confusing.
Finally, we’d love to help, so please do get in touch with us and we’ll see if we can!