When it Seems Like God Doesn’t Answer

“Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed from the land those who were mediums and spiritists. So the Philistines gathered together and came and camped in Shunem; and Saul gathered all Israel together and they camped in Gilboa. When Saul saw the camp of the Philistines, he was afraid and his heart trembled greatly. When Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by prophets. Then Saul said to his servants, ‘Seek for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.’ And his servants said to him, ‘Behold, there is a woman who is a medium at En-dor.’”  1 Samuel 28:3-7

“Now Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of the roar of a heavy shower.’ So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he crouched down on the earth and put his face between his knees. He said to his servant, ‘Go up now, look toward the sea.’ So he went up and looked and said, ‘There is nothing.’ And he said, ‘Go back’ seven times. It came about at the seventh time, that he said, ‘Behold, a cloud as small as a man’s hand is coming up from the sea.’ And he said, ‘Go up, say to Ahab, “Prepare your chariot and go down, so that the heavy shower does not stop you.”’ In a little while the sky grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy shower. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel.”  1 Kings 18:41-45
                       
For one reason or another there may come a time in a Christian’s life when he or she may realize that God is not answering their prayers. At this point the natural response is to become discouraged and question God’s love and personal involvement in their life. Very likely you are on the verge of a dramatic discovery which may deepen, broaden, and strengthen your life in Christ.

If you find yourself in this place of uncertainty, observe the following cautions:

- Don’t confuse unanswered prayer with unheard prayer.

- If your prayer is not being answered, be very careful in selecting your next source of information.

- God answers “no,” “yes,” or “WAIT.” Sometimes “wait” is the hardest answer to accept.

- Be honest with yourself.

Humility and transparency are foundations for God’s effective work in our lives - elements which often come only through the process of brokenness. If you are a child of God, He hears your prayers, but remember that the answers come from an omniscient God Who knows all things, and His answers reflect His knowledge, His care, and His lordship.

Answers. Answers. Be careful where you get yours even if you have to wait.