“I believe, but I don’t understand why there is no answer to my prayer,” in my thoughts I still heard these words and saw the disappointment in his eyes while I prayed for one person’s need.
While praying, I had an insight that it was necessary for him to change the way of thinking and approach to the prayer. It inspires me to share with you about one important aspect of faith and prayer. It that has brought many answers to my prayers and has greatly strengthened my personal walk of faith.
When we are in this kind of a mindset, disappointment comes. And there is only a step away from the doubt … and, unbelief is right there, like a shadow. In the end, doubt and unbelief jeopardize our prayer. (James 1: 6-7 ” But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.”)
Instead of asking why God does not answer, assert your faith in your mind and speech. Say that you believe and trust the Lord regardless of what is actually happening at the moment. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Abraham did not waver in the promises of God. Opposite, he remained firm in the faith and gave glory to God. It’s amazing that he did not even consider realistic facts. Abraham was fully convinced that God was able to fulfill His promise, even if it was physically impossible. Sarah accepted the power to conceive and gave birth to a child because she knew that God was true to his promise. (Romans 4: 18-22, Hebrews 11:11)
In prayer, ask God for revelation for you and His word of direction for your situation. Instead of frustration and anxiety, proclaim who your God is. Assert your faith: “You are Jehovah-Rapha – God who heals body and soul. You are El Shaddai – God Almighty, You have absolute power over everything. You are powerful and true to Your word. I know that with You everything is possible and there comes a day when my answer will be here physically. Father, I know that my situation is in Your hands and You will take care of everything. Lead me unto the path that I must walk in, direct everything in my life according to Your will. I trust You. I know that I will not be ashamed because You say in Your word that those who wait on You will not be ashamed.”
In your conversations with others, instead of talking about how big the problem is and how you do not understand where God is and why there is no answer, speak the words that affirm your faith. “The problem is big, BUT I know that my God is greater than any problem. God has an answer and there is nothing impossible for Him. Circumstances are subject to Him, and He can change any situation. People’s hearts are in the hands of the Lord, like rivers of water: He turns it wherever He wishes. He has times and seasons for everything. God never sleeps and He is never late. I know that my Lord will take care of everything and I live in expectation of the answer from Him.“
Now I remember, that’s exactly how I was thinking and praying in the darkest situations and hopeless circumstances. Instead of anxiety and doubt, I was asserting my faith and confidence in the Lord. I approached the problem from the side of total conviction that God could do anything and He would help me. My faith became confidence/knowledge that with the help of the Lord I would overcome everything and troubles were going to be resolved. And, I stated this both in my mind and in words.
The answers did not come immediately. But, I continued to assert that God, in whom I believe, is omnipotent, and I wait upon Him. I expect help from Him. Now, when I look back, I see that every need, which I confidently believed that God would help with, has been answered. I received answers despite the fact that those were the times of total hopelessness. Realistically, it seemed impossible to improve them. Moreover, the more difficult the situation was, the more amazing the testimony is of how the Lord brought me out of difficulties.
The Lord put desires in my heart to achieve certain goals, encouraged me to take some measures and initiate action for change. He created new opportunities and opened a way out where there was none. The Lord put me in favor of many people I’ve met and inspired many to help me. He gave me the ability, strength, endurance and perseverance to achieve goals. God blessed everything I did. He took care of me and provided everything that I needed. And He was never late. Never.
If you catch yourself dwelling on disappointment and questioning why God doesn’t answer and whether prayer can help at all – start changing your approach to the problem and to the prayer. Build your faith not on your own understanding of whether it is possible to solve your problem, but on who your God is – He is almighty and He is faithful to His word/promise. (Romans 4:18-22, Hebrews 11:11)
Instead of doubts and endless questions “God why …”, ASSERT the FAITH that you believe and completely trust God no matter what. PROCLAIM who your God is. Proclaim the word from the Holy Scriptures, your victory over problems and diseases, and you will see the power of the prayer of faith.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 (ESV)
“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” Proverbs 21:1 (ESV)
“‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV)
“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Genesis 18:14 (ESV)
“…Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who wait for me shall not be put to shame.” Isaiah 49:23 (ESV)
Be steadfast in faith. Be unstoppable.
~Inga
In my book “Unstoppable. It’s a Choice” you can learn my full story-testimony, which is an inspiring story of overcoming adversity and transforming life in spite of all odds. This book is about a living God who can restore the broken, heal the deepest wounds of a soul, and transform one’s life no matter how desperate the situation is. The story is about resolve and relentless perseverance that can break through the insurmountable stumbling blocks. The story is about the power of resilience that can lift you up and carry you forward no matter how tired you are or how many times you fall. It is about God’s immeasurable mercy and grace even if you make a horrible, unpardonable mistake. Finally, this book is about the power of decisions that are made by us, once we stand at the crossroads of a choice.
In May of 2018, “UNSTOPPABLE. It’s a Choice” received two Honorable Mentions in Biography/Autobiography and Spiritual/Religion categories in the San Francisco Book Festival 2018, which honors the best books of the spring.
My book can be purchased on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2D5pfMa
3 Testimonies of God’s help and lessons that empower ~ My trip to Lithuania in March’20
Do you Feel FRUSTRATED about your circumstances? My testimony
UNSTOPPABLE 