Why Don’t See Answers To Some Prayers?

Photo by Joshua Reddekopp on Unsplash

Have you ever prayed for something and didn't see the answer and you've wondered why?

Unanswered prayer one is tough for most people.

I know I’ve waited a long time on some prayers. And, I’ve had others that didn’t seem like they were answered. 

There’s a lot of factors involved. And some things we just won’t know this side of heaven.

But, I am certain of this. If God gave us a promise that Jesus paid for us to have. It’s ours. And, if I don’t see it come to pass in my life, I may need to ask myself what’s stopping it from manifesting in my life? 

If God is faithful, if God is good, if good things come from God and not evil (James 1:16-17), and I’m not seeing the answer, is God really the problem? Hmmm…It makes me stop and think what the real issue might be. 

It might be one of the following obstacles:

We didn't pray God's will

It may be that we didn't pray for something that was God's will. How do we know His will? His will is His word. It's the promises He gave us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

For more on praying God's will check out this blog post, "How to pray and be heard."

Timing

Sometimes it’s not the right time. God isn’t bound by our time and space. He sees the beginning from the end and knows what’s the best timing for your answer.

We Don’t Know Our Authority

We may not be taking the authority we’ve been given in Christ. 

Colossians 2:15 AMP
15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession], having triumphed over them through the cross.

Luke 10:19 AMP
Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you.

Jesus gave us authority in His name. He defeated the enemy (the snake). We have that same authority. We just need to take it. 

It’s like being given a fridge full of delicious food. All you have to do is open the fridge, reach out and take what’s already been given to you. But, if you never open the fridge and take any of it, you miss out on all that goodness.

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

We Stopped Believing

There are many times I’ve been in this situation where I’m not seeing an answer, and I realized I actually stopped believing that the promise was mine (James 1:6-8). 

Don't give up...keep thanking God for the answer. Remember it's already yours in Christ.

We Don’t Believe We’re “Good Enough” To Receive The Promise

There are times I realized I had an upper limiting belief that I wasn’t worthy or good enough to receive the promise (2 Corinthians 5:21). 

Sometimes it’s easier for us to think, “Oh, that person is such a better ‘Christian’ than me. They totally should receive God’s blessings.” 

My friend Sharon Fletcher of gods-best.com shared with me her method of prayer when she struggles praying in faith for herself. She will pray in third person. 

For example, “I pray that the eyes of Heather’s heart would be enlightened.” Or, “Thank you Lord that Heather prospers just as her soul prospers.” 

Try praying in third person when you hit that upper limit that keeps you from believing you’re “good enough.”

P.S. You’re worthy because Jesus paid a dear price (His own life) for you to be worthy. His death and resurrection made us the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). You are good enough my friend! ☺️

Our Circumstance Seem Too Big For God To Overcome

There are times that the circumstances were screaming in my ear so loud that I let them overcome me with worry and I stopped believing God was big enough to handle my issue (Philippians 4:6; James 1:6-8).

The enemy, the devil, wants us to believe our circumstances are too big for God. Don't believe him.

God is able to handle any problem that comes our way. There is nothing impossible for Him.

Mark 9:23 AMP
Jesus said to him, “[You say to Me,] ‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]!”

The Power Of Choice

I want you to notice that we each have our own will. We’ve all been given the power of choice. 

If you’re praying for someone else, remember, they still have a choice in the matter.

God isn’t going to force them into anything. In those cases, I like to pray that God would open their eyes to see the truth (Ephesians 1:17-21) because it’s the truth that will set them free (John 8:32).

The Wild Card

Sometimes, we just don’t know and we may not know until we get to heaven. And, by that point, we may not even care because hanging out with our Heavenly Father in heaven is so good. 

I will caution you though to not believe the notion that God allowed that bad thing to happen to you to teach you a lesson. That’s not how our good Father operates.

Again, I go back to James 1:16-17

James 1:16-17 AMP
16 Do not be misled, my beloved brothers and sisters. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow [a]cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].

Not once in scripture do we see Jesus say, “I’m going to let you stay sick so God can teach you something.” He healed everyone that came to Him.

God is a good Father. Always use that truth as your filter if you’re trying to find your “why.”

Discussion

What typically is your challenge when it comes to unanswered prayer and what can you do to combat that?

Mine is, “We Don’t Believe We’re “Good Enough” To Receive The Promise.” To combat this misbelief, I’ve been studying my identity–Who I am in Christ. I’m also going to take Sharon’s advice and pray in third person when I’m having a hard time praying for myself. How about you?

Resources

Destined to Reign: The Secret to Effortless Success, Wholeness and Victorious Living by Joseph Prince
How to live a life of victory pt 1 blog post

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