Why Are My Prayers Not Answered?Sýnishorn

Day 3: WHEN GOD DOES NOT ANSWER ACCORDING TO OUR EXPECTATIONS

Corrie Ten Boom’s Fleas

While imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp, Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsie endured harsh conditions. Their barracks were infested with fleas, which they initially saw as another hardship. But as they prayed they realized that the fleas kept the guards away, allowing them to hold Bible studies and encourage fellow prisoners! The very thing they prayed against became the means for them to share the Gospel. God’s answers often look different but serve a higher purpose.

Reflection:

• Paul prayed for healing, but God gave him grace instead. Never forget that God is our Healer. However, God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). For Paul, the specific condition he suffered was allowed for a higher purpose.

• I have seen friends sick with terminal illnesses bearing more fruit in the Kingdom of God than those who are healthy and happy! Every trial we face is an amazing opportunity to give God more glory, it only depends on how we look at it!

• Have you ever seen God work through delayed or unanswered prayer? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to bring glory to the Lord amidst your current situation in a way that will release His joy in your heart.

Prayer: Lord, help me to view the difficulties and trials I face from Your point of view. Open my understanding to how my life can be a testimony to others in such a way that they also choose to follow You! Help me see and accept that Your ways are higher than my ways or expectations from You.