When Prayers Seem Unanswered
Here is today’s Sabbath School lesson that addresses this issue.
When Prayers Seem Unanswered
Perhaps you’ve prayed about something for a long time, maybe even years, and it feels as if God hasn’t heard your prayers. The Bible tells us to “ask, and it shall be given you” (Matt. 7:7), “if we ask anything according to His will” (1 John 5:14, NKJV). What is your understanding of these promises?
Hannah is an example of a devoted woman who prayed for something very specific (1 Sam. 1:10–17). At first it seemed that God did not answer her prayers, but she persisted, and God did answer, in His perfect time and according to His will. Sometimes the waiting deepens our walk with God, as we learn to trust Him more.
Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us” (NKJV). Trust. Do we trust that He really does know what’s best, even when we don’t see an immediate answer to our prayers? Do we trust that eventually He will answer in His perfect time and way?
Sometimes our prayers may not be answered as quickly as we want or in the manner that we hope they will be. What counsel does the Bible give us about this?
Seek God’s will, not your own (Matt. 6:10; 1 John 5:14, 15).
Consider your motives (Prov. 16:2, James 4:3).
Think about whether you have a cherished sin (Ps. 66:18, 1 Pet. 3:12, Prov. 15:29).
Abide in God and in His Word (John 15:7).
Have faith when you pray (Heb. 11:6, James 1:6, Mark 11:24, Matt. 21:22).
Consider the state of your heart (humble or proud) (James 4:6, 1 Pet. 5:6).
Persevere (1 Thess. 5:17, 18).
Forgive others (Mark 11:25, 26).
Ultimately, God sees the big picture and knows what is best for us (Rom. 8:28, Eph. 3:20, Jer. 29:11–13). Sometimes His answer merely is as it was for Paul: “ ‘My grace is sufficient for you’ ” (2 Cor. 12:9, NKJV).
A key fact that determines our response to what seems like unanswered prayers is our picture of God. If we see God as distant and disinterested, our relationship with Him weakens. In such times, search the Bible for evidence of His love and care for you, and pray that your distorted picture of Him will become clearer.
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