Am I not believing enough?
With tears running down her face, the lady cried, “Am I not believing enough?” Fist curled, thumping on her heart, she slid down the wall moaning in anguish. Praying for months with no answer. Reading the Word and believing that what Mark 11 says is true:
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mark 11:24
But does this mean that when our prayers are not answered, it is because we do not have enough belief? Is it that we do not have enough faith or love for God why our prayers go unanswered?
My friend, I am here to tell you that not only was I that woman, but I believe and know the answer to those questions is a resounding ‘NO’.
Belief and faith are very important components to having a relationship with God. In my anguish and searching for God’s promises in His word, I felt the answer to my question. Trust. Not only should I continue to believe and have faith that God will do as He promised, but I needed to trust Him and be patient.
In our fast-paced world where we want the ‘McDonald’s’ type of service where everything is done in minutes, it gets frustrating when we have to wait for prayers to be answered which allows doubt and fears to creep in. James 4:3 reminded me that if I am praying for my own passions and desires, then my prayers won’t be answered. John 15:16 details the need for us to bear fruit for the Kingdom in order that whatever we ask for we will receive, as what we will ask for will be under God’s will.
A new perspective
Those two verses changed my perspective. At the time, my prayer was for God to change the heart of my then adulterous husband. Looking back, I can say that I wanted him to become a Christian and change his ways, but truly it was a selfish prayer…. Christian husband = happy wife.
My prayer should have been to change me so I could shine God’s light through my actions. I eventually got there, by reading the Word and understanding God’s promises in a fresh light. Understanding that I live for God’s purpose and not my own. That my happiness can’t be achieved by who I am with, but only in Christ.
Last week we looked at the scariest verse in the Bible and this week we are focusing on trust.
If you are struggling today with unanswered prayers, trust, have faith, believe and above all be patient. God will answer in His own timing and in His own way.
Food for thought: Sarah and Abraham waited 25 years for God to fulfill His promise and give them a son. Some of us may have to wait long for answered prayers, but I encourage you to never give up. God’s timing will always be the best timing.
Prayer: Lord we come before you in adoration and confession. Almighty God, Creator of all things, great is your love and faithfulness. We confess that we are not worthy to call Your name or come before Your holy presence. Our actions and heart do not glorify Your name. Forgive us. We beg for your grace and mercy. Hear our prayer Lord. For those crying out to you, just one touch from you Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen
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