In the past, when we’re still so entrenched with the things of the world, quite oblivious to the things of the Spirit, our peace is like a fragile thread that’s tied to our life’s shifting currents
Back in the day, when I felt my prayers were left unheeded, there was always this seething displeasure that built up inside me–sulking over those unanswered prayers. They kept me waiting in utter defeat for what felt like ages.
I know how emotionally exhausting and debilitating it is to wait; months turning into years with no end in sight. Thus, whenever I overheard pastors and fellow Christians blurt out that God answers all prayers, I could not process what it truly meant.
But then, as we mature in our walk with God, realizing what it means to live for Christ, our displeasure and resentment for not getting what we want is softened quite drastically—our frustrations for not having our prayers granted begin to wane, replaced by quiet contentment, an assurance that all will be well, despite witnessing the opposite of what we expect or desire.
I remember in my moment of crisis, I got so tired of fighting and struggling that I just sat there quietly in the corner of my room and didn’t say a word. The Lord understood what was in my heart. I was letting go and wanted God to carry me through, to fight my battles because I was too tired and scared to do anything. It was in that moment of surrender that I found peace—for I knew I could trust God. He would carry me through my hardest seasons. And He did.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (KJV)
By His grace, we are more than able to experience His glorious peace, having this inner calm despite having our wishes slip further out of reach—despite having the things we long for left unfulfilled for countless seasons.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
There is this secret knowledge that the world is not made privy to, or probably they know but they just can’t grasp as it didn’t resonate with them: “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7 NKJV).
In the past, when we’re still so entrenched with the things of the world, quite oblivious to the things of the Spirit, our peace is like a fragile thread that’s tied to our life’s shifting currents. But as our walk with God deepens, our peace is no longer at the mercy of our live’s ever-changing circumstances. By saying so, I don’t mean that we don’t feel anxious or stressed at all—but our worries are more manageable since Christ came into our lives.
Finding Peace When Prayers Go Unanswered
The peace that comes from knowing that our life is in God’s mighty hand allows us to live with confidence, a calm assurance that melts away our fears despite the chaos and uncertainties that beset us. It takes spiritual maturity to get to this point.
And though we aren’t impervious to life’s pain, easily scarred by unanswered prayers, setbacks, and disappointments, there is that knowing that every unfulfilled wish and stumble turns into a leap toward something greater.
For those who walk in the light of God’s truth, love, and grace, even the darkest seasons are turned into life’s greatest blessings. God will never put our tears and heartaches to waste. He turns our sorrows into seasons of spiritual renewal, allowing us to flourish as He molds us into the image of His Son so we may become a vessel of His love, light, and holiness.
Does God Answer All Prayers?
Yes, He does. When we have impure motives, God answers our prayers by withholding what we ask for to refine our flawed character. When we ask Him to grant our prayers for a visa to a much-favored country, God answers our prayers by ensuring our entry request would be rebuffed and thwarted as He has loftier aspirations for us in the land of our birth.
That being said, God also answers prayers according to our heart’s desires but may require us to wait for a season. He makes us wait to ensure our answered prayers would shift the tides in our favor, the kind of success that comes from above, a blessing beyond our wildest dreams, unencumbered by grief and distress.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
What to Do with Unanswered Prayers?
As we continue to walk in the light of God’s truth and grace, our intrinsic desire for control wanes, allowing God to wield His authority, influence, and dominion over our lives. As such, our prayers easily morph from, “I want” into “Thy will be done.”
You may say it’s easier said than done. You’re right—that may be the case, but it doesn’t mean it’s beyond reach. I have read astonishing stories of people who managed to maintain a calm, serene, and lighthearted frame of mind even while in the thick of life’s battles. That unfathomable peace of God remained steadfast even when prayers seemed to go unheeded.
When Unanswered Prayers Are God’s Redirection
More often than not, we have certain longings we thought would best serve our interests but fall short of expectations. As such, let’s not drift into the corner, sulking, throwing a fit because things didn’t turn out our way despite busting heaven’s door with our ardent pleas and requests. For all we know, God is either steering us clear of our wrong turns or has a much better plan in store for us.
Time and again, we have proven that we can’t trust our own wisdom nor listen to our deceitful hearts. We’re fallible humans, predisposed to make unwise choices and erroneous judgments. Thus, to listen to God’s voice is not only wise but also reflects our spiritual maturity, unshakeable faith, and utter dependence on His grace.
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 NKJV
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