Written By: Alora Yee
When I pray to God I envision a basin in front of Him filled with prayers. Right at the feet of God on His throne. He hears our prayers, He feels them and because He is all knowing, He knows the plans He has for us. I imagine He sits in long suffering with us.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-12
Asking is important as our God is not forceful or controlling. Asking is also a representation of our worship. Where do you seek to find your greatest needs? Where do you search to obtain comfort and refuge? Or do you think you’ve got it all covered? Asking is saying, “I need You, God and I cannot do anything without You.”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
The very next verse states that we experience God’s peace and that His peace will guard us. Wait a minute! I’ve done my job, I’ve prayed, I’ve obeyed and I’ve trusted God.. Why was my prayer not answered? Why was there no miracle? Why was there no healing?
We look for tangible answers, answers with proof the eyes can see. We look for tangible miracles and healing that our eyes can see. Yet scripture tells us to store up in heaven the things which cannot be destroyed by moth and vermin (Matthew 6:19-21). Scripture tells us the fruit of the Spirit is not tangible at all.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
What if our prayers are answered more than we think? What if truly, every evil done to us, every betrayal and loss was not wasted? When I think of my own evils, betrayals and pain, I can remember begging God for relief and yet it never came. However, what had come was what I actually needed. I was looking for escape, “if only’s”, and for others to change. Jesus led me to grace, peace, understanding, patience, love, self control… all through unanswered prayers.
I have empathy now for others who experience pain similar to that of my past. I fight spiritually now. I forgive easier and faster. All the things I prayed for that never came to pass… God shaped into something long- lasting and generationally foundational.
Unanswered prayers can either make us bitter because we were not given what we wanted, or eager for what God has in store for us. Hold on to your faith in His ways with hope and choose Him anyway. Our Father knows how to give good gifts to His children! (Matthew 7:11)
Choosing His truths, (what we know over what we feel), is a gateway to becoming more loving and compassionate. I believe walking through this said gate, we will find the peace described in Matthew 7.
I pray this gives you hope in the waiting. I pray God opens all the eyes of those who read this to His discernment and understanding in His ways.
In the name of Jesus, help my brothers and sisters to stay courageous and confident in the wilderness seasons of their lives. Uplift them today with Your promises of green pastures. And give them Your almighty perspective of what specifically these green pastures look like. Amen.
Written By: Alora Yee
