prayer is not like pressing a button

we've established that prayer is talking to God. 

God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and loves you more than you can imagine no matter what you have done. 

God is not, however...a vending machine.

a4 = financial blessing
b2 = healing
b6 = true love
d9 = yacht in the bahamas
                              ...i just don't think so

sometimes we pray in earnest
                    and God listens to our every word
                                        and He really wants to give us what we want
                                                            and everything is within His power...
but he just doesn't deliver.

that is so frustrating. 

when prayer goes unanswered we often start to self-examine. what have we done that was so bad that made God close His ears to us...what are we not doing that makes Him withhold the things we are begging Him for?

when we look at the bible...job didn't do anything wrong but God still didn't answer his prayer for awhile.

Job 16:15-17

I sewed myself a shroud and wore it like a shirt; I lay facedown in the dirt. Now my face is blotched red from weeping; look at the dark shadows under my eyes, Even though I've never hurt a soul and my prayers are sincere!

 

i often ask God why He let job go thru so much...

i mean...it kind of makes Him look like a bully...

 

and every time...i get the same answer.  He did it for me.  just like how He let Jesus go thru so much.

 

Luke 22:41-44

He pulled away from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, "Father, remove this cup from me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?" At once an angel from heaven was at his side, strengthening him. He prayed on all the harder. Sweat, wrung from him like drops of blood, poured off his face.

 

Jesus begged God to not make Him go thru all the garbage that was in the plan...but He did because He understood that God has to answer prayer based on what HE wants for us...because the creator truly knows His creation and what is best for it. 

 

if you have prayers that God hasn't answered.  i am truly sorry for your wait...but have faith.  God knows what's best and He will give you what you need when you need it...you may not even realize it.