An Answer to Prayer, Beyond Imagination

Scripture: “All glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20

“Why is God taking so long to answer?”

Have you been praying hard for God to work in your life? Scripture tells us that God hears our prayers; yet we might wait years for His answers. Eventually, though, His response can be greater than anything we can expect.

God Might Say “Yes; Here Is More”

God promised His people, “I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). Many people don’t realize that God’s plan for Israel involved 70 long years of suffering under Babylonian exile. It was a good plan, but it was far from instant success. So we must trust Him, even when relief or fulfillment seem to take forever.

The Example of Job

When we meet Job in the Bible, he has it all: wealth, family, friends, and trust in God. But in the blink of an eye, his riches were plundered and his family wiped out. Terrible physical suffering soon followed. But his trust in God remained; he declared, “The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the Name of the Lord!” (Job 1:21). Nearly forty chapters later, after hearing from God directly, Job humbled himself before God, and prayed for his friends. Only then, “the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before!” (Job 42:10). Again we see God responding and blessing in a great way, but only in His time.

The Forgiveness of the Messiah

As He was being crucified, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). What amazing love our Lord displayed! And the Father showed His “yes” response, offering forgiveness to the Jews who demanded His execution, as well as the Romans who carried out the deed. That plan of unimaginable forgiveness extends to all people: “this is God’s plan: [all] who believe the Good News share equally in [God’s] riches. [They] enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:6).

When You Pray, Expect the Unexpected

Scripture: “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” John 1:10-11

Our Father Knows Best

Sometimes God gives us exactly what we ask for, when we ask for it. But when His answers don’t come right away, it’s often because He has something much better for us. This series discusses some of the many ways God answers prayer.

A Dime Now or a Dollar Later

Many years ago, a wise man offered his two beloved nephews a gift: A dime today, or a dollar next week. The younger boy took the dime and ran to the store to buy a handful of candy. The older nephew’s mouth watered as he watched his brother enjoy the sweets, but he waited patiently for the week to pass. He received the promised dollar, and bought a toy that he enjoyed for a long time afterward.

This story illustrates how God may hold back something we want, or give us something different, which in the long term will prove to be much better. He tells us that “My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). God’s “yes” to your prayer might look very different from what you expect.

How God Answered “Yes” Unexpectedly

God revealed Himself to the Israelites, and promised a Messiah, who would deliver His people. They expected a political saviour, who would restore the physical nation of Israel, overcome its oppressors, and draw people from every nation to God. When Jesus was betrayed and turned over for execution to the Romans (the very ones they wanted to be delivered from), the hopes of the Jews were dashed.

But God had an even greater plan, to meet the needs and conquer the enemies of ALL people. God’s plan was for “reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Scripture promised, “He will remove the cloud of gloom... that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever!” (Isaiah 25:7-8).

God’s plan for the world goes beyond human politics, includes ALL nations (not just Israel), and can set ALL people free from sin and death. His answer to their prayers was not what Israel expected, but in fact was far better. His “yes” answer to your prayers might also be beyond what you can imagine.

Does God Really Hear My Prayers?

Scripture: “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

God is Trustworthy

Does it sometimes feel like your prayers are not making it past the ceiling? How can we be sure God is listening? God answers prayer in many ways, and this series will discuss some of those ways.

God Might Say “Wait”

When we want something, we want it now! But God does not always work that way; in fact, He instructs His people, “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act” (Psalm 37:7). We do not know what God is doing “behind the scenes,” but you can trust that He is working things out for His purpose and our good. Remember, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord” (Psalm 40:4).

God Might Say “No”

In Matthew 19:26, Jesus says "With God all things are possible." Even though God can do anything, it doesn’t mean he will. God has a special plan for each of us. What you ask of God may seem like a humble request that will honor him, but maybe it isn’t in His plan for your life. You might be a faithful follower of Christ and you’re praying for God to take away something that gives you pain and suffering. God knows if the trial you are going through will result in an amazing testimony. That testimony might cause many others to believe in Christ. Remember, God may have a purpose for your pain. God can see the bigger picture and, as a result, God may say no to your prayer.

Trust and Hope

God has promised His people that “He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). It might seem like He is ignoring you, that He does not hear your prayers, or that He does not care. But He will not ignore you, He can always hear you, and He loves you so much that He gave Himself through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul taught, “if we [hope for something], we must wait patiently and confidently” (Romans 8:25). While you wait for God to answer your prayer, you can ask Him for patience.

Why Should I Keep Praying?

So why should you keep praying for something you want? “Jesus told His disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up,” which you can read about in Luke 18. God might be using this time of waiting to build up your faith and hope in Him. When you are praying and waiting for God to act, remember that God can use whatever you are going through to “strengthen your confident hope of Salvation” (Romans 5:4).

Why Does God Answer No to Some Prayers?

Scripture: “Even when you ask [God for what you want], you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong.” James 4:3

"Why Aren't My Prayers Answered?"

The Bible tells us that God answers prayer, and yet we don't always get what we pray for. God answers in many ways, and this series will discuss some of those ways.

Check Your Heart

Today’s passage from James 4 tells us that God knows when our motives are right or wrong, even when we don’t. Psalm 66:18 says, “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”

When figuring out why a computer or other device does not work, the first question should always be, “Is it plugged in?”

In the same way, in our prayer life, the first thing we must do is make sure we are “plugged in” -- intimately connected with God, and inviting Him to examine our heart. This is why Jesus said, “But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (John 15:7)

God Knows What’s Good for Us

The God Who created all things is not obligated to answer "yes" to every prayer. God’s Word says that“The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right” (Psalm 84:11). If He says “No,” it’s because He knows that what we’re asking for is not good for us at the time.

It’s About God’s Glory

And Jesus told His followers, “You can ask for anything in My Name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father” (John 14:13).

Jesus’ purpose in answering prayer is to bring glory to our wonderful Father, God! So when our main purpose in prayer is God’s glory, we can pray with extra confidence.

Later, in one of his letters, the Apostle John added: “He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him” (1 John 5:14). We should love the Lord so much that we can submit our wants to His will.

God’s Good Plan

Do you love God? Do you strive to walk in His ways? Then know that “God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Do not be afraid to “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God” (Hebrews 4:16) with your request -- as long as you believe a “yes” will bring glory to God. But if God answers your prayer with a "no," work on submitting your wants to His will, so He can teach you to seek and ask for things that are part of His good plan for you. Do you already feel you are walking in His will but are not receiving the answer to your prayers?

How can We Have Joy in Trials?

Scripture: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2

Why does God allow trials in our life? They help build our faith and dependence on God. The Bible says our faith is like gold that needs to be purified and refined in fire. The joy comes when we realize the fire makes the end product more valuable and beautiful.

Expect Suffering

Our hope cannot be based on a comfortable, trouble-free life here on earth. Jesus said, “In this world you will have troubles, but have courage! I have overcome the world” John 16:33. Jesus tell us to expect it; He says you will have troubles, not if you have troubles. Jesus’ promise is victory over the things of this world, not happiness in them. The Bible warns against us loving this world and its comforts (1 John 2:15-17). This world is fading away, and so are the pleasures it holds.

Suffering Builds Faith

Jesus died to make us holy and righteous. Our strength of character and faith is more important to him than our temporary happiness. “We confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that trials develop endurance; and endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:3-4.

When trials come, we are forced to trust in God. We realize we cannot depend on our own strength and knowledge. Jesus wants us to believe in his promises no matter what our current situation is.

Focus On the Joy

When we focus on Jesus and the things in heaven, we see that our troubles here on earth are only temporary. They cannot compare to the wonderful things God has ready for us in heaven.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9. We can endure suffering when we have faith in God’s promises for eternity. Jesus himself was able to endure the cross “because of the joy awaiting him.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Let our prayer be this: “For I want to understand what really matters, so that I may live a pure and blameless life until the day of Christ’s return. May I always be filled with fruit of my salvation--the righteous character produced in my life by Jesus Christ--for this will bring much glory and praise to God.” Philippians 1:9-11