A Reflection On Unanswered Prayer

When God seems silent

As much as we hate to admit it, we are never more attuned to God’s voice than when we are in desperate need. We grow during these times more than any other. Given this, why would God possibly want to rush us through that process? Why would He hasten to answer our prayers and subvert the purpose of this experience? He knows we can learn from Him and be conformed to His image in no other way.

We see our need as a desperate situation. God designs it for an opportunity to know Him more intimately. When we are truly needy, we learn of Him as Provider. When we are really sick, we learn of Him either as Healer or as Comforter—whichever role He wants to reveal to us. We might think we are being punished by His silence. We are not. We are being rewarded. He is drawing us closer to Him, saying, “Come nearer, learn from Me, know Me as your Strength, your Defender, your Refuge.” Keep praying. This is a far greater blessing than an immediate answer.

Everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matthew 7:8