Trusting God Through Unanswered Prayers
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into the challenging topic of unanswered prayer. We began by reflecting on the simplicity with which Jesus taught us to pray, encouraging us to ask, seek, and knock. Yet, many of us have experienced the heartache of prayers that seem to go unanswered. I shared personal stories, including the painful loss of my grandson, and biblical examples of unanswered prayers from figures like Moses, David, Jeremiah, Paul, and even Jesus. These stories remind us that unanswered prayers are not a sign of God's absence but a part of our spiritual journey.
We explored several reasons why prayers might go unanswered. Sometimes, our motives are self-centered, or we give up praying too soon. Other times, an unforgiving spirit or doubt can hinder our prayers. Importantly, sometimes God's answer is "no" because He has a greater purpose in mind. This "no" can be a form of redirection, helping us grow spiritually and trust in God alone.
I shared a poignant poem, "And God Said No," which illustrates how God's refusals can lead to deeper spiritual growth and understanding. We also discussed how unanswered prayers force us to rely on God, fostering a mature faith that trusts Him even when we don't get what we want. This kind of faith transforms us from "if" believers, who trust God only if He answers our prayers, to "though" believers, who trust God despite our circumstances.
Prayer connects us to God and to each other. It helps us articulate our needs and align our hearts with God's will. Sometimes, the answer to our prayers comes through the actions of others, reminding us that we can be the answer to someone else's prayer. We must remain open to being used by God in this way.
In conclusion, while unanswered prayers can be deeply painful, they are an opportunity to deepen our trust in God. We may not always understand His ways, but we can rest in the assurance that He is with us, working for our good and His glory. Let us continue to pray with faith, trusting that God's grace is sufficient for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Unanswered Prayers and Spiritual Growth: Unanswered prayers are not a sign of God's absence but an invitation to deeper spiritual growth. They challenge us to trust in God alone, even when we don't receive the answers we desire. This trust fosters a mature faith that relies on God's wisdom and timing. [20:52]
2. Self-Centered Motives and Prayer: Often, our prayers go unanswered because they are driven by self-centered motives. James 4:3 reminds us that when we ask with wrong motives, we may not receive. True prayer seeks God's glory and aligns with His will, rather than our selfish desires. [25:24]
3. The Power of Persistent Prayer: We are encouraged to pray continually, as stated in Thessalonians 5:17 and Ephesians 6:18. Sometimes, we give up too soon, not fully trusting in God's timing. Persistent prayer demonstrates our faith and trust in God's perfect plan. [27:13]
4. Forgiveness and Effective Prayer: An unforgiving spirit can hinder our prayers. Mark 11:25 teaches us that we must forgive others to receive forgiveness from God. Holding onto grudges creates a barrier between us and God, affecting the efficacy of our prayers. [27:13]
5. God's "No" as Redirection: Sometimes, God's answer to our prayers is "no" because He has a greater purpose in mind. This "no" is not a rejection but a redirection, guiding us towards a path that aligns with His will and ultimately brings us closer to Him. [29:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[19:41] - Introduction to Unanswered Prayer
[20:52] - Personal Story of Loss
[22:13] - Biblical Examples of Unanswered Prayers
[23:45] - The Silence of God
[25:24] - Reasons for Unanswered Prayers
[27:13] - The Importance of Persistent Prayer
[29:06] - Understanding God's "No"
[30:44] - Spiritual Maturity and Trust
[32:18] - Treating God Like a Vending Machine
[33:45] - The Purpose of Intercessory Prayer
[34:47] - Personal Testimony of Prayer
[36:24] - Being the Answer to Someone's Prayer
[37:22] - Community Efforts and Prayer
[38:18] - The Gift of the Holy Spirit
[39:18] - Different Forms of Answered Prayer
[40:44] - God Working Through Ordinary People
[41:12] - The Story of Job
[42:16] - Poem: "He Maketh No Mistake"
[43:36] - Trusting God's Plan
[44:32] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 21:22 - "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
2. James 4:3 - "When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray continually."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Matthew 21:22 say about the relationship between belief and receiving answers to prayer?
2. According to James 4:3, why might some prayers go unanswered?
3. How does 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourage us to approach prayer?
4. What are some examples of unanswered prayers mentioned in the sermon? ([22:13])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How can the belief mentioned in Matthew 21:22 be understood in the context of unanswered prayers? ([20:52])
2. What does it mean to have "wrong motives" in prayer as described in James 4:3, and how can this affect our relationship with God? ([25:24])
3. Why is persistent prayer important according to 1 Thessalonians 5:17, and how does it demonstrate our faith in God's timing? ([27:13])
4. How can God's "no" be seen as a form of redirection rather than rejection? ([29:06])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your prayer went unanswered. How did this experience affect your faith and trust in God? ([20:52])
2. Are there any self-centered motives in your current prayers? How can you align your prayers more closely with God's will? ([25:24])
3. Have you ever given up on a prayer too soon? What steps can you take to be more persistent in your prayer life? ([27:13])
4. Is there someone you need to forgive to remove any barriers in your prayer life? How can you take steps towards forgiveness this week? ([27:13])
5. How can you become more open to being used by God to answer someone else's prayer? Can you think of a specific situation where you can be the answer to someone's prayer this week? ([36:24])
6. How can you cultivate a "though" faith that trusts God despite circumstances, rather than an "if" faith that depends on getting what you want? ([33:00])
7. What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in God, especially when facing unanswered prayers? ([43:36])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God in Unanswered Prayers
Unanswered prayers are not a sign of God's absence but an invitation to deeper spiritual growth. They challenge us to trust in God alone, even when we don't receive the answers we desire. This trust fosters a mature faith that relies on God's wisdom and timing. [20:52]
Unanswered prayers can be one of the most challenging aspects of our spiritual journey. They often leave us feeling abandoned or questioning our faith. However, these moments are not indicative of God's absence. Instead, they are opportunities for us to deepen our trust in Him. When we don't receive the answers we desire, we are invited to rely solely on God's wisdom and timing. This kind of trust is not easy, but it is essential for spiritual growth. It transforms us from "if" believers, who trust God only if He answers our prayers, to "though" believers, who trust God despite our circumstances.
This mature faith is built on the understanding that God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. It requires us to surrender our desires and expectations, trusting that God knows what is best for us. Unanswered prayers can be a form of redirection, guiding us towards a path that aligns with His will and ultimately brings us closer to Him. In these moments, we learn to rest in the assurance that God is with us, working for our good and His glory.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Think of a recent unanswered prayer in your life. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for deeper trust in God?
Day 2: Aligning Our Motives with God's Will
Often, our prayers go unanswered because they are driven by self-centered motives. James 4:3 reminds us that when we ask with wrong motives, we may not receive. True prayer seeks God's glory and aligns with His will, rather than our selfish desires. [25:24]
One of the reasons our prayers may go unanswered is because they are driven by self-centered motives. James 4:3 clearly states, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." This verse reminds us that true prayer is not about fulfilling our selfish desires but about seeking God's glory and aligning our hearts with His will. When our motives are self-centered, we may not receive what we ask for because it does not align with God's greater purpose for our lives.
True prayer requires us to examine our hearts and motives. Are we praying for things that will bring glory to God, or are we seeking our own gain? When we align our prayers with God's will, we open ourselves up to His blessings and guidance. This alignment helps us to grow spiritually and to understand that God's plans for us are far greater than anything we could imagine for ourselves. It is a call to selflessness and a deeper connection with God's heart.
1 John 5:14-15 (ESV): "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent prayers. Are there any that were driven by self-centered motives? How can you realign your prayers to seek God's glory and will?
Day 3: The Power of Persistent Prayer
We are encouraged to pray continually, as stated in Thessalonians 5:17 and Ephesians 6:18. Sometimes, we give up too soon, not fully trusting in God's timing. Persistent prayer demonstrates our faith and trust in God's perfect plan. [27:13]
Persistent prayer is a powerful demonstration of our faith and trust in God's perfect plan. The Bible encourages us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18). These verses remind us that prayer should be a continual part of our lives, not something we do only when we need something. Persistent prayer shows that we trust in God's timing and are willing to wait for His perfect plan to unfold.
Often, we give up praying too soon because we don't see immediate results. However, persistent prayer is about more than just getting what we want; it's about building a relationship with God and aligning our hearts with His will. It teaches us patience and perseverance, qualities that are essential for spiritual growth. When we continue to pray, even when it seems like nothing is happening, we demonstrate our faith in God's ability to answer in His own time and way.
Luke 18:1-8 (ESV): "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, 'In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, "Give me justice against my adversary." For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, "Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming."'"
Reflection: Is there a prayer you have given up on because you didn't see immediate results? How can you recommit to praying persistently and trusting in God's timing?
Day 4: Forgiveness and Effective Prayer
An unforgiving spirit can hinder our prayers. Mark 11:25 teaches us that we must forgive others to receive forgiveness from God. Holding onto grudges creates a barrier between us and God, affecting the efficacy of our prayers. [27:13]
Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of effective prayer. Mark 11:25 states, "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." This verse highlights the importance of forgiving others to maintain a clear and open relationship with God. Holding onto grudges and harboring an unforgiving spirit can create a barrier between us and God, affecting the efficacy of our prayers.
When we refuse to forgive, we are essentially blocking the flow of God's grace and mercy in our lives. Unforgiveness can lead to bitterness and resentment, which can hinder our spiritual growth and our ability to connect with God. By choosing to forgive, we release ourselves from the burden of anger and allow God's love to heal our hearts. This act of forgiveness not only benefits us but also aligns us with God's will, making our prayers more effective and powerful.
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 5: Embracing God's "No" as Redirection
Sometimes, God's answer to our prayers is "no" because He has a greater purpose in mind. This "no" is not a rejection but a redirection, guiding us towards a path that aligns with His will and ultimately brings us closer to Him. [29:06]
Hearing "no" from God can be difficult, especially when we are earnestly seeking something we believe is good. However, it's important to understand that God's "no" is not a rejection but a redirection. He has a greater purpose in mind, one that aligns with His will and ultimately brings us closer to Him. This redirection is a form of divine guidance, helping us to grow spiritually and to trust in God's perfect plan for our lives.
When we receive a "no" from God, it is an opportunity to surrender our desires and to seek His will more earnestly. It challenges us to trust that God knows what is best for us, even when we don't understand His reasons. Embracing God's "no" requires humility and faith, recognizing that His plans are far greater than our own. This redirection can lead us to new opportunities and blessings that we may not have considered, ultimately bringing us closer to God's heart.
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Reflection: Think of a time when God said "no" to your prayer. How did that redirection lead to a greater purpose or blessing in your life? How can you embrace God's "no" in your current situation?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "So we reach out in spite of previous unanswered prayers to the only one that we know can help us. We've got to connect to someone or something larger than ourselves, and we turn to God for our answers and for our deliverance." [20:52] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes God's no is better than his yes. Think of it this way. What would happen if God answered every prayer, every time we prayed, in the exact manner that we think it should be answered? Forget for a moment that a lot of our prayers are probably foolish and short-sighted. A lot of them are selfish. But what if God answered them all? Would that produce any spiritual maturity in our life if we got every prayer answered?" [30:44] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Unanswered prayer forces us to trust in God alone. And when we do, he alone gets the glory. For it's at that point that his strength is made perfect in our weakness. Although God would like to prefer to have us spend more time listening and connecting in prayer, there's a time where we tend to treat God like a cosmic vending machine." [32:18] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The answer is because prayer connects us to something larger than ourselves. It connects us to God. God is the only answer for our prayers. Prayer helps us to articulate what's important to us and the people, and the situations. And God already knows these things, but he wants us to come to him and talk to him and tell him about them so that he can help us." [33:45] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we pray God hears more than we say he answers more than we ask and he gives us more than we can imagine but it's in his own time and his own way. So keep the faith." [44:32] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Of all the burdens and things that weigh us down, the silence of God has got to be the hardest burden we've ever carried. A godly mother will pray for her children. They've been raised in the church. They went to Sunday school. They know the Bible. Yet once they grew up and left home, they left all that behind them. The mother prays and continually prays that her son and daughter will come back, but they remain like the prodigal son." [22:13] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "But there are many reasons for unanswered prayer. We have to look at why and how we're praying. A lot of our prayers are self-oriented prayers. We don't pray for God's glory. We pray for our own selfish interests, our pride or attainment, and we never give the glory to God. James 4.3 says, when you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you give it on your pleasures." [25:24] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And the hardest answer of all, the hardest one for us to accept is that sometimes our prayers are not answered because God can do more through us by not answering our prayer than he can by answering them. Sometimes we have to understand that God gives us the answer of no. And no is an answer to a prayer. Not that he is telling us to reject us, but sometimes that no is to redirect us in the direction that he feels we need to go." [29:06] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Spiritual maturity takes us from an if person to a though person. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, an if faith says, I will believe if God does this for me. I will pray if God answers my prayers and makes things go my way. A though faith says, though the night is dark, I will persevere. A though person looks at the problems around them and says, even so, even so it is well with my soul." [33:00] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's been my experience that God doesn't always work in the big flashy miracles. More often than not God works through ordinary people. People to care, to comfort, and to help. But we must have faith. You remember the experience of Job. He lost his home, his fortune, his children, his reputation, his health. Everything that he counted dear he lost. And when he finally hit bottom he was filled with anger and he wanted to die. Yet he muttered these words of faith. Though he slay me yet will I trust in him." [40:44] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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