God is Trustworthy

Does it sometimes feel like your prayers are not making it past the ceiling? How can we be sure God is listening? God answers prayer in many ways, and this series will discuss some of those ways.

God Might Say “Wait”

When we want something, we want it now! But God does not always work that way; in fact, He instructs His people, “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act” (Psalm 37:7). We do not know what God is doing “behind the scenes,” but you can trust that He is working things out for His purpose and our good. Remember, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord” (Psalm 40:4).

God Might Say “No”

In Matthew 19:26, Jesus says "With God all things are possible." Even though God can do anything, it doesn’t mean he will. God has a special plan for each of us. What you ask of God may seem like a humble request that will honor him, but maybe it isn’t in His plan for your life. You might be a faithful follower of Christ and you’re praying for God to take away something that gives you pain and suffering. God knows if the trial you are going through will result in an amazing testimony. That testimony might cause many others to believe in Christ. Remember, God may have a purpose for your pain. God can see the bigger picture and, as a result, God may say no to your prayer.

Trust and Hope

God has promised His people that “He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). It might seem like He is ignoring you, that He does not hear your prayers, or that He does not care. But He will not ignore you, He can always hear you, and He loves you so much that He gave Himself through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul taught, “if we [hope for something], we must wait patiently and confidently” (Romans 8:25). While you wait for God to answer your prayer, you can ask Him for patience.

Why Should I Keep Praying?

So why should you keep praying for something you want? “Jesus told His disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up,” which you can read about in Luke 18. God might be using this time of waiting to build up your faith and hope in Him. When you are praying and waiting for God to act, remember that God can use whatever you are going through to “strengthen your confident hope of Salvation” (Romans 5:4).