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Delayed Answers in Prayer

by stephanie reck  
10/06/2014 / Christian Living

When we pray, God will answer us with yes, no, or not now. We can grow impatient as we wait for the answer to come to our prayers. Trusting God knows the best outcome for our lives puts us in a restful and peaceful place. God does not answer everyone's prayers the same way. God has a unique and individual plan for everyone. Be careful not to try and figure out how God will answer your prayers. God is a creative God, and you might be surprised how He answers you. If you have been praying for something for a long time, and it seems that God has not heard you, rest assured that He has! God's plan for your life is perfect. His plans for you are good and not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11).

The work of God takes time. Prayer requires persistence. Most people in the Bible who asked God for big things waited a long time to receive their answers. Abraham waited well into old age to receive the promise of a son. Joshua and several others wandered for 40 years in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land. Hannah endured taunting form Penninah as she waited years for a child. We are to ask, make our request known to God, but not to control the outcome or God's timing.

Prayer has been compared to childbirth. When God gives you a promise, you become "pregnant" with the promise. A "seed" has been planted of God's promise. If you plan on carrying God's promise to full-term, you must learn to travail. God does answer some our prayers immediately, and other times the answers to our prayers take time. God has heard you, and you can rest that His perfect will for your life will come to pass.

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines earnest as serious and intent mental state; a considerable or impressive degree or amount, and defines vigilant as alertly watchful especially to avoid danger or carefully noticing signs of danger.

The apostle Paul says we should "continue earnestly" in prayer and "be vigilant in our prayers." Faith should not die if the answered come slowly, for the delay may be God's way of working His will in our lives. When you feel tired of praying, know that God is present and always listening, always answering-maybe not in ways you had hoped, but in ways He knows are best.

Stephanie R. Reck, LMSW, LBT, BCCC
Stephanie Reck, Coaching & Consultation Services
www.stephaniereck.com
[email protected]
Stephanie Reck Coaching & Consultation Services, @2024
Author of, "Disciplining Your Mind 30 Days to a Better You!"

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