Why Are My Prayers Not Answered?预览

Day 5: LEARNING TO TRUST EVEN IN UNCERTAINTY

Jim Elliot’s Mission to the Aucas

Jim Elliot and his missionary team were martyred while trying to bring the Gospel to the Auca tribe in Ecuador. Their brutal execution made it seem like God was not answering their prayers for a breakthrough. However, years later, their sacrifice led to the conversion of the very people who had killed them. Jim’s wife, Elisabeth, and other missionaries continued their work, and many Aucas came to Christ. What initially looked like a tragedy was turned around in a great breakthrough and a whole tribe came to know the Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection:

• When a child, husband or other loved one suddenly passes away or falls ill, it is very difficult to understand the 'ways of God'. There are no easy answers to explain calamities like these, and it is easy to feel 'God was not there'. Just look at the life of Job who suffered immensely and lost all his children, position in society and livelihood. However, he never cursed God (like his wife suggested he should do). He continued to trust God. The Bible does not say how long it was before his situation changed, but we know that the turnaround came when he started to pray for those who cursed him.

• God invites us to exercise true faith – faith that trusts even when answers do not come. Do you trust God even when you do not understand?

Prayer: Father, even in my pain and questions I choose to trust You. Strengthen my heart to hold on to the knowledge that You are a good, good Father, and that You are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I put my trust in You, even though I do not understand what is happening in my life.