7 Days Empowered by GraceÀpẹrẹ

Day 5: Unanswered Prayer

"Nevertheless, not my will, but Yours, be done" (Luke 22:42, ESV).

Growing up in a Spanish-speaking Pentecostal church, we had a lot of “Testimony Nights.” These were powerful evenings of worship, prayer, and testimonies of God’s Faithfulness. We celebrated answered prayers—healings, breakthroughs, and Divine Provision. But have you ever considered that unanswered prayers deserve just as much celebration?

If we’re honest, we often think we know what’s best for us. We pray for things we believe will bring us happiness or success, but sometimes, God, in His Wisdom, says no—or not yet. At the moment, it can feel discouraging, even frustrating. But looking back, aren’t you grateful for some of the prayers God didn’t answer the way you wanted?

Maybe you prayed for a relationship that didn’t work out, only to later realize God was protecting you. Perhaps you begged for a job opportunity, but in hindsight, you can see how God had something even better in store. We serve a God who gives good gifts, and sometimes, that means withholding something we think we need.

Jesus Himself modeled this in the Garden of Gethsemane. He asked the Father if there was another way, but ultimately, He surrendered: Not my will, but Yours be done. That is the posture we must take—trusting that God’s Plan is greater than our preference.

Today, instead of being discouraged by unanswered prayers, take a moment to thank God. Trust that He knows what’s best and is working all things together for your good. One day, you’ll look back and realize that what you thought was rejection was Divine Protection.

PRAYER:

Dear Jesus, You know what’s best for my life. I trust Your Will over mine. Thank You for the prayers You have answered and even for the ones You haven’t. Help me rest in Your Perfect Plan. Amen.