Once in a Christian’s life, he or she has wondered about the whereabouts of God when problems arise. You speak to your self “why doesn’t God answer my prayers?” Self-doubt and fear make many like you lose faith in God. and this is a big hindrance in your relationship with him.
“Why Doesn’t God Answer My Prayers?” Is There A Formula For Making Things Right And Quick?
If the Bible says God listens to prayers, why does he not show up in times of trouble? This kind of question makes people lose faith in God. Why doesn’t he answer our prayers when we most expect?
Let me first remind you that God is not a genie in a magic lamp that fulfills the wishes of people. He works according to his time, will or purpose which ends up being a super blessing for you. You might not understand everything though because your finite mind cannot comprehend the ways or thoughts of God.
The Psalmist also encountered a similar situation and so lamented often. He wrote; “Listen to my prayers, God. Do not hide yourself from my petition.” (Psalms 55:1)
In this post, I will share with you some of the gravest mistakes Christians make and expect God to come to their aid immediately. There are various reasons why God does not answer your prayers and this doesn’t make God an unloving person. Sometimes, it could be that there is nothing wrong with your side. You still have to trust God.
Everything he does is good and perfect. Mankind can’t simply fathom his genuine plans for them. I believe after reading this article, you will not keep on wondering why your prayers go unanswered.
The Situation Of Praying And Awaiting For An Answer
Prayer is the Christian’s greatest weapon. A weapon that helps fight against all kinds of life challenges, a weapon that brings relief to the destitute, a weapon that disintegrates every scheme of the devil and his angels.
We do pray a lot but does it do us any help? Do we see those prayers answered? Very often, Christians hardly see their prayers answered. We often expect express answers to our prayers but God seems to be far from reach. Is he turning on deaf ears? We then become impatient, curious and lament.
Did you ever notice how Apostle Paul placed much emphasis on patience or long-suffering? Huh, long-suffering is part of the journey of every Christian.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” (Galatians 5:22).
You can see here in the verse above that long-suffering is part of the Fruit of the Spirit —bear it at all times and never give up for the Lord will reward you.
How Does It Feel?
How does it feel praying for years without noticing the slightest hint of an answer? Very bad and disappointing I guess. This is the same thing God feels when you consistently do what he frowns on. You might keep on asking yourself why doesn’t God answer my prayers.
If you don’t make things right with him as an obedient child your prayers will not be answered.
He has vividly told you what you must do to receive all the blessings. Yes, he blesses and punishes and he is always right with his action. God is a good Father who always loves to see good things come to his children.
Honestly, God is ever ready to answer our prayers but he doesn’t answer every prayer. Why? This is simply because his thoughts, and timing are different from that of us.
Before I explain some of the reasons why God doesn’t answer your prayers, I would like to remind you about my post on “ Do not stop praying – get your prayers answered .”
Reasons Why God Doesn’t Answer Your Prayers?
Bear in mind that God searches through all hearts and gives each and every one his due reward. If you are faithful to him, keep on praying until something happens.
1. A sinner’s prayer
God does not answer a sinner’s prayer. He has said, a sinner’s prayer is a prayer of repentance. You need to first repent, believe in God and faithfully pray to him and he will listen to your Prayers.
“……The prayer of the RIGHTEOUS person is powerfully effective. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. ” (James 5:16 – 17)
God hates sin so he has said, worship him in truth and spirit. (John 4:23) The more you live in sin the more God stays away from you. You can’t be a conscious sinner and expect God to be pleased with you.
2. His will Is Not Your Will
In reciting a part of the Lord’s prayer, it says “ Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Unfortunately, many Christians fail to understand why they should allow the will of God to prevail over their will. You pray and ask for marriage, financial freedom, healing, etc. but no answer. Although there is nothing God can not do for you.
You may pray for something you really need but may not get answers from God. The truth is, if your needs are not in line with the will of God, you won’t get an answer. Does it sound unfair? Oh no, You can’t question God because his ways are higher than yours.
“This is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his WILL, he listens to us.” (1 John 5:14)
Unfortunately, people pray and pray and forget to allow the perfect will of God to work. It feels bad when your plans aren’t going well. However, God always has a better plan for everyone who loves and trusts him. He is a good Father who knows when, how and where to give answers to us.
Matthew 7:11, If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him.
Proverbs 16:1, states that;
“The preparation of the heart belongs to man but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.”
3. You Ask The Wrong Thing And Complain “Why doesn’t God answer My Prayers?
“You ask, and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures.” (James 4:3)
If you pray and ask for the wrong things God will not listen. There are certain things that are useless. For example, anyone who prays to God to protect him from being exposed because he is corrupt in the workplace or indulges in unethical behaviors. God is not a helper nor protector of evildoers.
Don’t pray for cars, mansions, or things that enhance world pleasures. This shows how carnal you are. Forget about God answering your prayers. If you ask amiss God will turn deaf ears unto your prayers, no matter how faithful or longer you pray.
Always remember that there are necessary things that you need to ask for in prayers. For instance, pray for protection from evil people and their schemes, pray against barrenness, health problems, marital problems, depression, weakness…
When you ask for the right things God will answer with additional things you did not even ask. God knew exactly what you need.
Solomon asked for wisdom but God added money and riches to his request. If it is his will, all your prayers would be answered. But you need a leap of faith to receive answers to your request.
4. Prayer Without Faith
Christians who dare pray to God but lack faith will not receive answers. Why? Faith is the backbone of a Christian’s relationship with Christ Jesus. Faith in God can move Mountains.
“Let him make his request in faith, doubting nothing; for he who has doubt in his heart is like the waves of the sea, which are troubled by the driving of the wind. For let that man not think that he will receive anything from the Lord. ” (James 1:6 – 7)
Now ask yourself, have you been doubting God while you keep on praying? Learn to have mustard seed faith and move mountains of obstructions through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Finally, let me remind you that God is love and he has greater plans for each one of us. If you pray earnestly and rightly according to his will, then he will answer you. Even if the answer doesn’t come — keep on praying; perhaps he is testing your faith! Stay blessed. Amen.
About Author
One thought on “4 Simple Reasons Why God Hasn’t Answered Your Prayers”