The Journey of PrayerSample

Yesterday, we explored how God sometimes answers prayers instantly or soon. But what about those prayers that seem to linger unanswered for months, years, or even decades?

That leads us to the third way God answers prayer, which is over time. Some prayers take months or years to receive their answer, and in that waiting period, God develops something within us that wouldn't happen otherwise.

Abraham's story provides a striking example. In Genesis 21:1-2, we see the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah—a promise that took 25 years from the initial word to its manifestation. That's a quarter-century of waiting, hoping, and sometimes doubting.

I've witnessed this in my own family. My father prayed morning and night for the salvation of his five children for 20-30 years. He was prepared to pray about our salvation for his entire lifetime if necessary.

I understand that we may not enjoy these extended waiting periods, but they serve a vital purpose in our spiritual formation. During these seasons, we develop patience, endurance, and contentment in who God is rather than what He does for us. The question isn't just what we're waiting for but who we're becoming while we wait.

The fourth way I have learned that God answers prayer is in eternity. Some prayers will not be answered on this side of heaven but instead in eternity.

When we read Revelation 8:4, it offers a beautiful picture of these answered prayers when it says: "And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand." This suggests that some prayers may be answered in heaven rather than immediately here on Earth.

This verse also assures us that God never ignores our prayers. He receives them like sweet incense, treasuring each one. And His response comes in His perfect time—which may be in eternity rather than on our earthly timeline.

Often, our frustration with "unanswered prayers" stems from not knowing how God will answer. Will it be instantly, soon, over time, or in eternity?

Pause and Ponder: What prayer have you been bringing before God for an extended time? Could God be answering "over time" or "in eternity"?