The Bible tells us that when we pray, God hears us. We find amazing instances of the Lord God answering people’s prayers in numerous Bible accounts. Perhaps you have personal experience with this in your life or in the lives of others. Jesus instructs His disciples in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask and it will be given to you […] For everyone who asks receives.” Furthermore, James 5:16 states that “a righteous man’s prayer is powerful and effective.”
Many people have, nevertheless, had instances when their prayers went unanswered. They [prayed for a loved one’s healing], but the person passed away. They’re still jobless despite their requests for work. Although they asked for financial stability, they never got it. It appeared like God was ignoring their needs. Examples of these experiences can also be found in the Bible. For instance, David laments in Psalm 22:2, “O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.” How is it possible? Why does God not always grant our requests? Let’s talk about some potential biblical responses.
1) We do not even ask
This response can appear absurd at first. But do we truly “pray without ceasing” as stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:17? To demonstrate to His disciples that they should never give up and continually pray, Jesus told them a parable in Luke 18:1–8 (Luke 18:1, NIV). Is that what we actually do? If not, James 4:2 (NIV), which states, “You do not have, because you do not ask God,” may provide the answer to our query.
2) We ask with the wrong motives
Even those who do petition God for anything don’t always get their wish fulfilled. One probable explanation for this is found in James 4:3 (NIV), which states, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” God is aware of your innermost desires and motivations. God will not grant your wish if it is not in line with His will. Psalm 66:18, which states, “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened,” also expresses this.
Perhaps you’re not even entirely conscious of your own intentions. It is crucial to consider if your request is truly for God’s glory or if it is just for your own self-interest. Naturally, this does not imply that you cannot ask questions that will benefit you personally! However, as per 1 John 5:14–15, our prayers have to be offered “according to His will,” that is, in accordance with [what God wishes for us]. What God has revealed to be His purpose for the world and our lives must line up with our desires.
3) We need more patience
While our timeline might not match God’s “schedule,” there are moments when we feel as though He has not heard our petitions. We must have faith that He has the right timing. We might not always be prepared for His response. God frequently withholds His response in order to [develop perseverance and patience] and strengthen our trust (see Romans 5:3-5). We might reminisce later and be amazed at His impeccable timing.
We find one example in John 11. Jesus was told that His friend Lazarus was ill. Instead of going there immediately, He delayed for two days before going to see His friends. When He finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already died and been in the grave for four days. Understandably, Lazarus’ sister was very disappointed about Jesus’ delay and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). However, she added, “But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you” (John 11:22). And He did! Lazarus was raised from the dead. Jesus’ timing was perfect indeed. Lazarus’ resurrection was “for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4).
4) God has something greater in store for us
Lazarus’s story tells us more than just about God’s timing. It also demonstrates how, occasionally, God has greater plans for His children than those they pray for. It was not healing but rather resurrection in the case of Lazarus. Since God is aware of the finest path to holiness and maturity in us, He may grant requests that differ from what we specifically ask for. According to the power at work within us, He “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).
The apostle Paul is a great example. In his second letter to the Corinthians, he writes: “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9, compare 1 Corinthians 2:3-5). Centuries later, we can testify that Paul’s ministry was very fruitful indeed, bringing countless people to faith in Jesus Christ!
Trust God
Sometimes we don’t understand why God doesn’t grant our petitions in prayer. It’s a good idea to examine our hearts to see if we are praying without ceasing or if our motivations are off. Other than that, though, we are unable to fully understand God’s choices and direction for our existence. Since He is wiser and more knowledgeable than we are, it might be impossible for us to comprehend His choices and methods (see, for instance, Romans 11:33).
Whether we continue to [believe the Lord] in the face of our requests not being fulfilled is a more crucial matter. From “what I want” to “what God wants for me,” we might change our perspective if we understand Him to be our loving Father who wants to give us what is best (Matthew 7:11). Because “we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Do you trust God like that?
