Unanswered Prayers

Image Source UNSPLASH by Samuel Martin

PREAMBLE

What we ask in prayer most times are the things that we need for either our spiritual growth or that of the physical. We pray and hope that God grants answers to our prayer. There are times when we may give in to penance and prayers for a particular intention and in the end, that which we have been seeking won't be bestowed. We are thus left with thoughts. We may even despair of God's faithfulness.

There lived a man who works with a construction company. Among his mates in the company, he is the only one that has no private car. It has also been long since he was promoted to a new position with a salary raise. He decided to make some sacrifices to God and in return pray for a promotion, and the privilege of having a private car. Few weeks after his sacrifice to God. He got promoted at work with a salary raise. He was happy that God answered his prayer. Unfortunately for him, he has struggled for two weeks to buy his dream car but was unable to do so.

Each time he budgets out the funds needed for the car, an unforeseen circumstance springs up to take away a greater percentage of the fund. He became depressed because of this challenge. One day, He went back to the altar of God where he made the first sacrifice. After lamenting his sorrows to God, he fell asleep and went into a trance. In the trance, a man walked up to him, asking him the reasons behind his sorrows. He told the man how he has faced many challenges in the past weeks which have made it difficult for him to achieve some of his desires. He told the man about his dream for a private car and how he quickly loses a greater percentage of the funds to challenges each time he is ready to buy the car.

The man looked at him and smiled. He went further to ask him these questions. In the last few weeks, how many car thefts have you witnessed in your neighborhood?. Mr. Johnson said at least 10 thefts. He asked him again, How many road accidents have you witnessed within the said week?. At this question, Mr. Johnson started crying. He had seen five accidents within the said period, and he has been a victim of two of the accidents. The man then told him these words, you were not able to buy your dream car at that period, because it wasn't the right time for you. The car theft in your neighborhood and the accidents you witnessed during this period could have cost you your life and the car. He has paved a way for you now, and you will soon be able to get that which you desire.

Sometimes we behave like Mr. Johnson. We are sad when our prayers are not answered. We forget that God knows the best for us. We ask that we think is the best for us, but God opts for that which we need. What we may desire for ourselves may not be what we need. He is a caring father and will never bestow what will be harmful to us.
In Luke 11, He says, "What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”. He has encouraged us to ask and we shall receive, Knock and it will be opened to us.

In our prayers, we should always end with these words, LET THY WILL BE DONE, because God's will are for the good of His children.