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Introduction

 

We often have needs in our lives, which make us turn to God for help especially when the situation is urgent. However, regardless to the urgency of the need, God may take a while to respond, He might just not give us an answer, or the answer is not what we expected. What should our next move be if God does not meet our expectation? How should we respond? Do we react with unbelief, doubt, anxiety and worry? We will all face some type of turbulence when we need that "right now answer", but God delays, says no, or He is silent. What do we do when God is silent? These and many more questions are vital to our spirituality and our relationship with God. There was a time when Jesus remarked that the people followed Him only for the fish and bread which He gave them.

When He reflected on their motives, "Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled." (John 6:26). What if they were not fed, and some became faint on the road on their way home? Would they have blamed Jesus for teaching so long resulting in their physical weakness? Whom would they blame? This situation should cause every believer to question why he or she is serving God. Besides, our attitude towards God's response or non-response to our prayers in a time of need, will be an indication of our relationship, sincerity and honesty towards Him.

It will also prove why we are serving Him, and whether we really trust and believe His word. There were people in the Bible who had to wait for God's answer to prayers or promises. 

For example, Abraham waited 25 years for the fulfilment of God's promise to him (Genesis 21); and even after that promise was fulfilled, he was tested on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22).

Paul, in his time of need had a thorn in his flesh (2 Corinthians 12:1-1). Our attitude and response towards God when prayers are unanswered, whatever the circumstances might be, will speak loudly concerning our relationship towards Him and why we serve Him. 

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Paul’s response towards God’s answer to his request

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The story of Paul reported that he had prayed three times to have a thorn removed from his body, but God denied him the ease he needed from the discomfort in his flesh (II Corinthians 12:7). Instead, God presented him with an alternative, which is the sufficiency of His grace (II Corinthians 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me).”

What would you have done during such a troubling physical situation? You are bothered continuously every day by this condition, which makes you uncomfortable and unable to rest? What would you have said after praying three times and receiving such a response?

When we view Paul’s response, his attitude was submissiveness and humbling, acknowledging the Mighty God Who holds his breath in his hands. He accepted what was offered to him as an answer from the Lord. Not only did Paul humbly accept the Lord’s will, but he subjected himself to other situations which would also have been uncomfortable for him.

Nevertheless, he was willing to suffer to please God noting that, “when I am weak, then am I strong” (II Corinthians 12:10). This is faith in one of its finest hours. We cannot accept God’s provision for us regardless of what that might be without faith, especially in a situation such as Paul’s.

There are people who are suffering for Christ daily; physically, financially, and in so many other ways. Yet, they dare to trust His wisdom and will for their lives. They, too, no doubt prayed, but it seems as if heaven becomes brass at times. Still, they continue to trust in God Who does not fail. Their attitude proves that even when we cannot understand all the ways God will lead us, we should still trust in Him. This is difficult to understand for the unsaved or those who follow Christ according to their own rules. Only the dedicated who have experienced similar situations, and who are still living for Christ without the expected answers to their prayers, can testify of the sufficiency of God’s grace.

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What is Your Attitude Towards Unusual Answers to Prayer?

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When we are troubled concerning God’s response to our prayers, we should pay attention to what we say; and the thoughts which come to our minds; especially about God or life itself. Therefore, we must be cautious of the words we use because they have life, and any wrong response coming from our thoughts or lips may cause us more damage than the unanswered prayer. David was careful about his speech and the thoughts he harboured in his heart.

   Upon reflection, he said in (Psalm 19:139:23-24) “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see (if there be any) wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." He also said, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). How do we behave when we are faced with the circumstances of life which cause distress and emotional pain? Some people are angry and ask questions such as, "Why me? What have I done to deserve this?" Others are tempted to generate and harbour negative thoughts relating to serving God, and may even question the truth of His word, and whether He really cares about them.

   Believers sometimes prayed and did all that was in their power to do, but God does not respond, or the response was not what was expected. There are also times when it seems as if heaven has become brass, or God just does not care. In those situations, we can easily drift into doubt and unbelief while our faith evaporates. Some people may sink into depression, doubt and unbelief, while others even turn to anger, and in some cases to the occult. Those actions are often the result of our thoughts and perceptions towards God. We may even think that He has failed us. This would be a very dangerous place for any believer to find himself or herself.

   In the world an individual may even turn to drinking because life has dealt a harsh blow to hopes and dreams. Still, what should the believer do? How does one respond when there is a dire need? We may ask, "Does God care about me or my situation?" The answer is that God cares, but He does things His way. No one can hurry Him or dictate to Him. We have the Apostle Paul as an example concerning his need for deliverance from a thorn in his flesh. God did not respond the way Paul had expected, but he humbly and gladly accepted the God's answer (2 Corinthians 12:). We just have to wait, and be willing to accept God's answer to our prayers whatever that might be.  

    The fact that we do not receive the answer which we expected should never cause us to speak ill against God because He has reasons why He withhold even what we deem to be good for us; yet God says “No.” What are the thoughts which come to our minds about God, life, and the situation? Do we become vengeful and neglect our duties towards God’s calling on our lives? Some pastors are leaving the ministry for whatever reasons. In the text the writer is saying, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14. This seems impossible when we have trying situations before us. What may seem a tremendous task to face, a mountain of difficulties to overcome, and many insurmountable situations. Still, God is saying, “I will give you grace to bear it” or some other alternative answer. Do we accept His wisdom or complain and become weary and neglectful in our duties? How do we respond to God’s wisdom?

   The next passage which comes to mind is Psalm 139:23-24. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see (if there be) any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Once again, we are reminded of our attitude towards God when life turns a different way from what we had expected. We may not speak out our thoughts; but they are there in our consciousness and we ruminate over them frequently, especially when we see others progressing, but we are not. We wonder why God has held us back. We pray and sometimes no answer comes. If in those times we remember the word of God concerning His character and principles in Psalm 12:6-7, we would, like Paul, rest upon His wisdom and direction for our lives. We have to trust God’s will and not doubt His plan for our lives.

   Worry and anxiety torment us and sap our energy physically, while they deplete our trust, faith, and hope in a God Who cannot fail. Therefore, we must ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts since there are hidden things in our subconscious which might emerge and cause more concerns than not having the expected answers to our prayers. After David had expressed his thoughts about the ungodly, he turned the light on himself recognizing that what they did or were doing, he was just as vulnerable to fall into the same pit. He prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if (there be any) wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24).

   In conclusion, if you are still fretting about unanswered prayers and charging God wrongfully, maybe you need to take another look at Paul, and pray the same prayers as David in Psalm 19:14; Psalm 51:10; and Psalm 139:23-24.

    Check your attitude towards God, and ask yourself, "Why do I follow the Lord?" "How do I contribute to my pain by my lack of faith in God's Word?"

   The Psalmist encouraged himself:

     "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and (why) art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

    Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, (who) is the health of my countenance, and my God." (Psalm 42:5, 11).

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