The Timing of Answers to Prayer

In past posts, I have examined prayer. I try to stay close to scripture when it comes to knowing how to pray, but there are patterns of God's response I cannot deny. For example, I have found that God's answer comes when that answer will bless the most people.

For 18 years I prayed for a loved one to recover from an addiction. Daily struggles we experienced were like being in a deep, dark valley with no way out. During the intervening years between the prayers and the answer, I did not give up, even though I was challenged on the right and left to just walk away. Now, I know my Irish stubbornness was not the main reason I was able to persist. God gave His precious gift of faith and I studied the scriptures. I read how we are encouraged to persevere in prayer. I also listened to Bible teachers and one of them said, "As long as there is life, there's hope." How true that is!

On the day my prayer was answered, it took me by surprise. All those years! All those prayers! Here I was, open-mouthed in awe, totally surprised by God's amazing answer. The timing was perfect. My dear one was healed, our family was blessed, extended family and friends were touched. We felt like a showcase of God's grace because we were and still are.

So, I am saying to you to trust in God's timing to answer your prayers. I like the scripture from Hosea 2:15b that says, "...(I) will make the valley of 'trouble' a door of hope." That hope in times of trouble is Christ and trust in His love. Never stop believing He is able and willing to answer your prayers. Please remember with me that you and I bear a deep responsibility when we pray. We must be sure to check our motives, make sure we are being obedient to Him and are dealing with any sin in our lives.

You've maybe heard there are three possible answers to prayer: Yes, no, and wait awhile. Every answer is perfect for you and timed impeccably. God will do no less. Doma