hearing youDoes God still answer prayers? Or do you feel like you’re talking, but no one is listening, especially God? At times it can feel that way. You pour your heart out and wait patiently… or not so patiently… for an answer that never seems to come.

I don’t believe God sits on His throne each day deciding who He will or will not listen to. Unlike you and I, He is the ultimate multi-tasker. While many of us have a hard time making it through our day and listening those around us, He can keep everything on earth going and still listens to all of us. He’s that awesome.

So why do we find ourselves twiddling our  thumbs at times wondering why we don’t have an answer? I want to let you in on a secret… He ALWAYS answers. You heard me. He always answers our prayer. He promises to do so in Jeremiah 33:3. What we may not have taken into consideration is how He answers. We have three options:

  1. Yes! That’s typically the answer we’re all searching for when we go to Him. We want Him to agree with what we think it best and want. This answer typically comes quickly and brings great joy to us.
  2. No! This is the answer we don’t like to receive. We may even say He hasn’t answered us because we don’t want to admit He told us no. What we must keep in mind during those times is if He says no to what we’re asking for, it is because He has a better yes for us. He is for us, not against us [Romans 8:31].
  3. Not yet. This is the answer we rarely consider. There are many times the Lord says not yet, because other things need to come into alignment before He gives us the yes we’re seeking. He may be waiting on us to mature or take care of something else before He releases it, or it may have nothing to do with us. He may be waiting on someone or something totally unrelated to us to fall into place that will impact our situation. What we need to remember is He is trustworthy [Psalm 111:7].

Today, I’m finally getting a yes to a prayer request I’ve been praying for 2 years. I’ve asked the Lord for an open door to the school system in my city to talk with the staff about sex trafficking, the indicators and how they can become first responders. Today I have the privilege to speak to the middle school counselors in the school system. I don’t know why it has taken two years for this to happen, and at this point, I don’t care. I’m just grateful today is the day.

What have you asked the Lord for lately? Has He answered you? If not, do not lose heart. Press in, continue to pray, believe He hears you and He will do what’s best for you and all those involved.