John 15:7 (NKJV) “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
I’ve heard it said many times, and have mistakenly said it myself, “why are my prayers unanswered?!” The truth is, God hears all prayers, and… answers all prayers. Our problem is we expect our prayers be answered as we desire, that we get what we ask for. If we do not receive what we ask, if our will is not done, we chalk it up to “unanswered prayer.”
All prayers are heard and all prayers are answered. The answer is at times simply, “no, not yet or I have something better for you.” That’s not what we want to hear, so… we choose not to. God works all things to His purpose, because His purpose is right, true and always perfect. Despite what we think, His answer is ALWAYS according to His will. A faithful, mature disciple, abiding in Jesus, knows this and faithfully accepts it.
I John 5:14,15 (NKJV) Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
So, often our prayers amount to wants, desires, perhaps at times perceived needs. There are cries of anguish, desire for reprieve from torment, etc. If you’ve allowed God to steer your walk to diligent pursuit of Him, you devote time to study and internalize His word. If you remain devoted to continual prayer and communication with Him, your ability to discern His voice, understand His direction, will sharpen and you will be more in tune to what your prayers, your requests of Him should look like. You’ll more readily receive and accept His ever present and immediate answer. You will have peace like you’ve never known, due to the understanding and utter confidence that it is His will to be done, to His glory and His will is ALWAYS right, perfect and precisely what you need.
Psalm 66:19 (NKJV) But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
Realize, as the psalmist above does, it is not necessary to hear or see the answer, rather, our assurance is cemented in God’s word! Have a blessed weekend.
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
