Facing Unanswered Prayers

As believers, we all like to give the impression that all of our prayers gets answered instantaneously. However, there are prayers that we have prayed that goes seemingly unanswered. I am not referring to those that were asked “amiss”, I am referring to those that were prayed based on a promise that God had given.  Yet even though we already received a word that it was going to happen the manifestation seems unlikely to ever  happen. Additionally, the more we pray and exercise effort in seeing the reality of those promises is the more it seem like it will never come to pass. Sometimes in these moments, we feel like we are alone and even question whether or not we heard correctly what was promised. This path is often very difficult to walk as each new day consist of facing the disappointment of unanswered prayers. The days turn into weeks, weeks to months, and months to years and our hearts becomes broken and filled with despair.

If you have ever had to experience this then you are very familiar with the anguish that it brings. Nevertheless, I want you to know that you are not alone, others have been there, some are at the exact place currently and other will be going to that place. Therefore, it behooves us to be an example in moments like these so that we can have a testimony that will bring us joy without regret.

So how do we face the disappointment of unanswered prayers and be joyful in the process, you may ask? Well, it is quite simple really – we realize that it is not about us. What? Yes, that which you are facing is not about you. I know it seems strange as we often think that everything is about us. We have the misconception that the sun rises and sets all because of our doing, but the fact of the matter remains IT IS NOT ABOUT US.  The promise that we received is already done and will come to pass in God’s time. He made that promise to us for His purpose and His glory. We are just the recipients of the fringe benefits, as such, it is not about us.

Remember Joseph who was given a promise that he would be a ruler having even his family bow down to him? Do you remember all that he had to go through before it came to pass? Why? Because he made the mistake into thinking that it was about him. However, everything happened as promised when he came to the realization that it was all about God and His working. Remember Abraham who also waited years for the promised seed? He received the promise when he could see the bigger picture.

Do you have dreams that have not yet been fulfilled? Are you waiting for the promises made to you to be manifested? Well if it offers are consolation you are in good company. All you need to do is give it to God and allow Him to show you how to be victorious in waiting.

Prayers: Lord, today we give you our dreams again. Some of these dreams we have buried because of the disappointments and brokenness that we have experienced. Nevertheless, we come to You asking that you will resurrect that which we have allowed to die during the process of what seemed like unanswered prayers. Open our eyes to see the bigger picture of it being about You and not us. Please show us how to be victorious in the waiting process and grant us the patience we need to see the manifestation of Your promises. We say thanks. Amen

4/6/17 Dr.R.A.