Dear Church,
In continuation of the sermon from yesterday (If you haven’t heard it, please listen to it), be very careful of how you interpret or handle “unanswered prayers”. This is a place where Satan would attack us the most, tidal-wave conclusions come rushing in – “God isn’t listening; he doesn’t care for my life; God is punishing me for the sins I have done; I am not faithful and devoted enough”, the list goes on. Don’t walk on this quicksand! Seek God to interpret your unanswered prayers. A simple prayer, “Hold me, Lord. Help me to interpret what is going on here”
The Bible reminds us of the importance of trusting God’s timing and His wisdom, even when our prayers seem unanswered. Consider Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations. Moreover, in Romans 8:28, we are reminded, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Even in the silence, God is at work, orchestrating all things for our ultimate good.
The disappointment of “unanswered” prayers can be devastating, but it’s crucial that we invite God’s love into that space of disappointment. We need His ministry in the very places where our hearts feel most broken. Psalm 34:18 (NIV) says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” remember to invite Jesus into our heartache, just as we do with inner healing prayer. Allow Him to comfort you, to heal the wounds that unanswered prayers may leave, and to restore your soul.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) offers this encouragement: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Even in our uncertainty, we are called to bring our concerns to God, trusting that His peace will guard us.
Let us continue to trust in God’s goodness, even when we don’t understand His ways. Let us seek His face, confident that He hears every prayer, and in His perfect timing, He will answer according to His divine will.
Be Encouraged,
Mathews
