07 Feb Unanswered Prayer
Read Luke 18:1-8
Have you ever been tempted to give up on something you have been praying about, perhaps for years?
There was a woman, a widow, in the Bible that went to an unjust judge to be avenged of her adversary. The judge denied the woman her request yet she continued to present her case. Time and time again, the judge saw the woman coming with the same old issues. Finally, he heard her case and was moved to help her situation.
We can find ourselves, often, in difficult circumstances that make us feel like God is not seeing or responding to us. When God does not answer our prayers the first time we pray, it seems that He may not even be interested in hearing us. It is natural to experience discouragement and be tempted to give up. Yet, the Lord is looking for our continued faith.
In Daniel, Chapter 10, the prophet humbled himself in a specific fast. He ate no meat or pleasant food (it is here that we glean instructions for the “Daniel Fast”) and prayed for three weeks. He had an angelic visitation on Day 21 and was told that his prayers were answered on the very first day but that demonic forces had prevented a response. There was spiritual warfare manifesting in the heavenlies as Daniel fasted and prayed. What would have happened if he had given up? Daniel’s tenacity in prayer resulted in a spiritual victory.
There are many reasons why our prayers seem to go unanswered. Our own sincerity may be tested as we wait. Don’t give up because the very next prayer you pray may be the one that breaks through!
The enemy of your soul wants you to lose the determination that is needed to keep holding on until your prayers are answered.
Our Father God is not an unjust judge. He hears the cry of His people but the Lord also teaches us that, like the widow, we must be persistent. Be encouraged and don’t lose hope! Go to God over and over and over again if that is what it takes to get your prayers answered. Be persistent and pray effectually with intense fervency and your prayers will avail much! (James 5:16.) Remember the acronym: P.R.A.Y, Powerful Results Are Yours!