Delayed Does Not Mean Denied

Waiting on God to answer our prayers might be one of the hardest things to do. And guess what? The wait does not become any easier knowing that at some time in every Christian’s life, there is a wait. However, it is in the wait that we must remind ourselves that delayed does not mean denied.

Why this reminder? Many of us will begin to question God while we are waiting for His answers to our prayers.
God, when are you going to answer my prayer? I thought you cared about me, do you? Do you see what is happening to me? Can you hear me? How can you let me go through this? Are you ever going to answer my prayer? How long God? If we are not careful we may become anxious and stumble in our walk with God. How do we make it through the wait?

Study God!

First, know that a delayed response from God does not mean denied. Second, understand what we describe as a delayed response is God’s on time response.

Let’s not forget that our God is alive. God is alive and He has a will. In our walk we must come to the point where we say, “Your will be done!” How do we get there?

Reading and studying God’s Word is a sure-fire way to arrive at “Your will be done!” In God’s Word, we find stories that help increase our faith. Greater faith leads to greater trust that God will answer our prayers.

Reasons for Hope

Daniel is one person who stands out as an example of hope. He prayed. It did not appear that God had even heard his prayers. Appearances are deceiving. The Bible tells us that God heard Daniel’s prayer the first time he prayed.

The Prophet Isaiah records one of God’s promises to prayer. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! (Isaiah 65:24, NLT)

We know that Jesus received the message about Lazarus’ illness before Lazarus died. Yet, He did not respond immediately to Mary and Martha’s request to come and see about Lazarus. Jesus explained the reason for His delay when He arrived. He then raised Lazarus from the dead. (https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/lazarus-raised-from-the-dead-bible-story.html)

Not only are there examples of hope in the Bible; but there are also promises. These are promises from God that will keep us from despairing when it appears that God has not or will not answer our prayers.

A GHSM Favorite Promise

God Has Spoken Ministry (GHSM) loves the promise found in Psalm 84:11, (NLT).  For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

Delayed does not mean denied. We must develop a steadfast faith that will trust God. A faith that says we will wait for His answer to appear in the physical realm.

Your Burger King Moment

Are you having a Burger King moment? Ready to throw a temper tantrum at the drop of a hat because God has not answered your prayer? Do you think that God has not answered your prayer because you do not see the answer?

Switch up! Instead of asking when? why? don’t you see me? can you hear me? Why not say? God, I trust you. I believe that you will give me what is best for me because You love me. My desire is that Your will be done in my life. Thank you for what you have already done for me. And thank you for what you are going to do for me. Delayed does not mean #denied!

For the New Believer

Learn how to wait for God’s answers to your prayers. Do not become anxious or stressed when you do not see the answer immediately. Because you do not see it does not mean that God has not answered your prayer. Yes, it is ok to ask God for the same thing repeatedly; but it is also important to ask God that His will be done. It may not become easier to submit to God’s will as you mature in your relationship with God. It will, however, become your desire. Strengthen yourself spiritually by reading stories about people who had to wait on God. And then finally, trust God for His answer and thank Him for the answer while you are still waiting. Remember, delayed does not mean denied.