Dear Pastor

advice column

Winter 2013

God has not answered many of my prayers, even though I believe. Does God really answer prayers?
 
Yes, God answers prayers. Matthew 7:7 says that if you ask, it shall be given unto you. God always answers when we pray. He can say yes, not now or later. Sometimes He says no when we ask amiss or when He knows that granting the request will not be to our ultimate benefit, as He is all knowing. Whatever the answer is, as believers, we should be confident that He is working for our good as Romans 8:28 says.

Do not give up! If you look at your life, you will see that God has answered many of your prayers. Delay is not denial. Like John 16:23 says, whatever we ask in His name, we shall receive. The fact that you are asking this question shows that you are concerned about God’s ability to answer. Doubt is the number one deterrent of our breakthroughs. Have faith and God will respond accordingly.

Patience, positive attitude and faith are important when we are believing God for answers. Hold on to Matthew 21:22, which says: “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” If you have not surrendered your life to Christ, do so and if you are living in perpetual sin and not leading a lifestyle of righteousness, turn your life around. Maintain an attitude of gratitude, prayer and worship.